Low Carb Keto Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Flavor-Packed Low Carb Keto Chicken Salad for Busy Days

Keto chicken salad transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering culinary experience that satisfies hunger without compromising nutritional goals.

Protein-rich chicken serves as the star, creating a robust foundation for this delectable dish.

Crisp vegetables and creamy dressing harmonize perfectly, delivering incredible flavor in every bite.

Smart ingredient selections allow you to customize the recipe while maintaining low-carb principles.

Fresh herbs and unexpected seasonings elevate the traditional concept into something extraordinary.

Texture and taste dance together, promising a meal that feels indulgent yet completely aligned with health-conscious eating.

Each forkful represents a delightful journey through carefully balanced flavors and textures: get ready to transform your meal routine.

What Makes This Chicken Salad So Quick and Tasty

What Makes This Chicken Salad So Quick and Tasty
  • Unleash Speedy Nutrition: This keto-friendly chicken salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, taking just 10 minutes to prepare and packed with protein-rich ingredients that keep you satisfied and energized.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Flexible recipe allows you to swap ingredients based on preferences, with options to add pecans for extra texture or skip them, making it perfect for different taste buds and dietary needs.
  • Zero Guilt Gourmet Delight: Low-carb approach means you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising your health goals, combining fresh ingredients like crisp celery, tender chicken, and zesty green onions for a refreshing eating experience.
  • Multipurpose Meal Magic: Versatile dish works beautifully as a quick lunch, picnic option, or light dinner, easily transported in containers and staying fresh when chilled, making meal planning a breeze for busy individuals.

What You’ll Need to Toss Together This Easy Dish

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender, shredded meat as the main protein source, best when using rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and healthy fats, optional but recommended for extra flavor.
Fresh Produce:
  • Grapes, Celery, Green Onions: Crisp vegetables and fruits that provide freshness, crunch, and subtle sweetness to the salad.
  • Dill: Aromatic herb that brings a bright, tangy flavor to complement the chicken.
Dressing Components:
  • Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creamy base that binds the salad together, providing rich and tangy flavor profile.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the mayonnaise.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the chicken salad.

How to Whip Up a Simple Keto Chicken Salad

How to Whip Up a Simple Keto Chicken Salad

Step 1: Gather Tasty Ingredients

Collect all your delicious components for this mouthwatering chicken salad:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Grapes
  • Celery
  • Pecans (optional)
  • Fresh dill
  • Green onions
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Ensure ingredients are fresh and crisp for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Chopped grapes
  • Diced celery
  • Crumbled pecans
  • Chopped dill
  • Sliced green onions

Gently mix ingredients to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together:
  • Smooth mayonnaise
  • Zesty Dijon mustard
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Blend until the dressing becomes silky and well combined.

Step 4: Create Flavor Magic

Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture.

Stir thoroughly until every ingredient is perfectly coated.

Ensure each bite will be packed with delightful flavors.

Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately

Choose your preference:
  • Serve right away for a fresh, crisp meal
  • Cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld together

Enjoy your low carb keto chicken salad chilled or at room temperature.

Tips That Add More Flavor with Less Effort

  • Shred Chicken Like a Pro: Pull apart rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken using two forks for perfect, tender pieces that blend seamlessly into the salad.
  • Drain Grapes Completely: Pat grapes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery texture and helping dressing cling better.
  • Chop with Precision: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, bite-sized pieces that ensure balanced flavor and texture in every single spoonful.
  • Whisk Dressing Separately: Combine mayo, herbs, and seasonings in a separate bowl to guarantee even distribution and maximize flavor intensity.
  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together and develop a more complex, delicious taste profile.

How to Store Chicken Salad and Keep It Crisp

  • Seal Tightly: Choose glass or hard plastic containers with secure, leak-proof lids to prevent moisture and preserve flavor. Glass containers block odor transfer and maintain the chicken salad's crisp texture better than disposable options.
  • Freeze Strategically: Separate mayonnaise-based chicken salad into small portions before freezing to minimize texture changes. Wrap containers in freezer-safe plastic wrap, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken salad remains good for 1-2 months, though texture might slightly change upon thawing.
  • Ingredient Separation: Keep crunchy add-ins like chopped celery or nuts separate until serving time. Store these ingredients in small sealed bags or containers alongside the chicken salad mixture. This technique prevents soggy ingredients and maintains optimal crispness, ensuring each bite remains fresh and delightful when ready to enjoy.

Chicken Salad Variants to Keep Things Fresh

  • Mediterranean Marvel: Swap grapes for chopped kalamata olives, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in fresh oregano. Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Include diced jalapeños, replace dill with cilantro, and mix in some diced red bell peppers. Stir in a tablespoon of hot sauce and sprinkle with smoked paprika for extra heat.
  • Asian-Inspired Fusion: Incorporate sliced almonds instead of pecans, add mandarin orange segments, and mix in a splash of rice vinegar. Replace Dijon mustard with sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions for an Asian-inspired chicken salad.
  • Herb Garden Blend: Mix in fresh basil, thyme, and parsley. Use lemon zest instead of juice, and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an herbaceous and bright flavor profile.

Wrapping It Up With a Forkful of Flavor

Crisp chicken salad whispers summer freshness with each delightful bite.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance through this keto-friendly classic, creating memorable flavor profiles.

Lean protein meets zesty herbs in perfect harmony, promising satisfying nutrition without compromising taste.

Skilled home cooks can master this recipe within minutes, transforming simple ingredients into culinary magic.

Mediterranean techniques elevate traditional chicken salad beyond ordinary expectations.

Craving something extraordinary?

Share this recipe, comment below, and spread deliciousness with friends who appreciate gourmet low-carb delights.

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Low Carb Keto Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Low Carb Keto Easy Chicken Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Zesty keto chicken salad delivers protein-packed Mediterranean flavors without carb complications. Creamy, herbed chicken meets crisp vegetables for a light meal that satisfies keto dieters seeking delicious, nutrition-dense options.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Main Ingredients:

  • 680 grams / 1½ pounds cooked shredded chicken

Produce:

  • 150 grams / 1 cup red grapes, halved
  • 60 grams / ½ cup celery, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Dressing Ingredients:

  • 40 grams / ⅓ cup pecans, finely chopped (optional)
  • 240 grams / 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and a spacious mixing bowl for creating a vibrant chicken salad with a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
  2. Carefully shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized, uniform pieces to ensure consistent texture throughout the salad.
  3. Dice the crisp celery and slice green onions into thin, delicate rings to add a fresh, sharp crunch to the mixture.
  4. Halve the sweet grapes to distribute their juicy bursts more evenly across the salad.
  5. Chop the pecans (if using) into rough, rustic pieces to provide a delightful nutty crunch and depth of flavor.
  6. Sprinkle the fresh dill over the chicken mixture, releasing its aromatic essence and adding a subtle herbal note.
  7. In a separate compact bowl, whisk together the creamy mayonnaise (236 milliliters), tangy Dijon mustard (15 milliliters), and bright lemon juice (30 milliliters).
  8. Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance and balance the overall taste profile.
  9. Gently pour the silky dressing over the chicken and accompanying ingredients, using a spatula to fold and coat every morsel thoroughly.
  10. For optimal flavor melding, cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize.
  11. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing main dish or elegant side.

Notes

  • Crunchy texture matters most, so chop nuts and celery uniformly for consistent bites.
  • Dressing works best when whisked thoroughly to blend mayo, herbs, and seasonings smoothly.
  • Refrigeration transforms flavor profiles, allowing ingredients to marinate and meld together deliciously.
  • Pre-cooked chicken speeds up preparation and adds rich, smoky undertones to the entire dish.
  • Grape moisture impacts overall salad consistency, so pat them completely dry before mixing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 286 kcal
  • Sugar: 3.4g
  • Sodium: 597mg
  • Fat: 19.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.9g
  • Carbohydrates: 4.7g
  • Fiber: 0.8g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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