Creamy Keto Chicken Salad: Low Carb, High Protein, and Packed with Flavor

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and low-carb meal, this keto chicken salad is a game changer. It’s creamy, full of fresh herbs, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for meal prep, stuffing into lettuce wraps, or enjoying as a quick lunch, this salad brings together protein, healthy fats, and vibrant taste in one simple dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Salad

This chicken salad isn’t just your ordinary mix of chicken and mayo. Here’s what makes it special:

Bright, Herby Flavor – Fresh dill and parsley combined with garlic, mustard, and a touch of lemon juice give this salad a refreshing, bold taste. It’s far from bland, with a flavor profile that feels lively and fresh in every bite.

Low Carb, High Protein – Each serving comes in at roughly 1 gram net carbs and nearly 20 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily fit into paleo diets as well.

Quick, Easy, and Meal Prep Friendly – With just about 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is incredibly simple to make. It holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week or for a grab-and-go option.

Whether you scoop it into a lettuce wrap, stuff it into a hollowed-out vegetable, or simply eat it by the forkful, this keto chicken salad never disappoints.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Choosing the right ingredients can elevate this salad from good to great. Here’s a breakdown of what works best and some alternative options:

Shredded Chicken – Cooked chicken breast is standard, but thighs work beautifully too. Rotisserie chicken or leftovers are perfect for a quick option.

Mayonnaise – Use a good-quality store-bought mayo or your favorite homemade version for extra creaminess.

Mustard – Yellow mustard gives a tangy kick, while Dijon can offer a milder, subtler flavor.

Lemon Juice – A splash of lemon brightens the overall taste and balances the richness of the mayo.

Aromatics – Fresh garlic and green onions bring depth and savoriness. For convenience, garlic powder works in a pinch.

Fresh Herbs – Dill and parsley are the stars here, but feel free to experiment with basil, thyme, or rosemary if desired. Fresh herbs deliver the best flavor, but dried can be substituted at one-third the quantity.

Seasoning – Sea salt and black pepper are essential, but adjust to taste depending on the chicken and mayo used.

Optional add-ins include diced celery, bell peppers, crumbled bacon, or a handful of keto-friendly nuts for texture and flavor variety.

How to Make the Salad

The method is simple, and with a few tips, you can ensure the salad is perfectly creamy and flavorful:

1. Prepare the Dressing – In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and chopped herbs. Mix until smooth. This can be done in the same bowl you’ll toss the salad in to save on dishes.
2. Add Chicken and Green Onions – Stir in shredded chicken and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.
3. Chill for Best Flavor – Although you can enjoy it immediately, letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least a couple of hours enhances the flavors and gives the herbs a chance to meld.

Pro Tips:

• Avoid using warm chicken; it can cause the mayo to separate. If freshly cooked, let the chicken cool to room temperature or place the bowl in a larger bowl with ice for a few minutes.
• A hand mixer is a handy tool to shred chicken quickly and evenly.
• Taste before and after chilling to adjust seasonings if needed.
• Optional mix-ins like keto nuts, celery, or crispy bacon can elevate the texture and flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Lettuce Wraps & Sandwiches – Spoon into bibb lettuce, keto bread, almond flour tortillas, or low-carb pita.
• On Greens – Serve over a bed of fresh salad greens for a light meal.
• Stuffed Vegetables – Hollow out mini bell peppers, tomatoes, or cucumbers and fill them with the chicken salad.
• Dip Alternative – Pair with keto crackers or tortilla chips for a crunchy, satisfying snack.

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