If I know I’m going to have a busy week I love to have this keto chicken salad in the fridge. It’s easy to make, easy to eat, and easy to customize. Which means I can take it easy.
This is my classic version—and it’s a heavy hitter in my meal prep rotation, alongside other keto salads like my keto tuna salad and keto egg salad.
Make it Meal Prep
Food is important in our household—which is why I need a few go-to meals that I can have on hand. Not just for when I’m suddenly starving, but also to protect my recipes-in-testing from my hungry husband. This is a snack—or sandwich—that others can easily serve themselves. Which—if you are the primary meal-maker—you know is *actual* magic.
I keep the additions pretty minimal here—celery for cool crispness, lemon juice for a little brightness, red onion always—and some sliced almonds for a crunch and extra heart-healthiness. Plus it just makes it feel a little elegant. Even when I’m eating it straight from the container.
I love to make this with Greek yogurt to keep it light. But let’s be real—there’s an extra decadence to using mayo. So you’re in a win-win situation here.
Or a winner-winner chicken….okay, OKAY, you get it!
A handful of crackers, a pile of leafy greens, a crisp lettuce cup, a sliced baguette, a croissant sandwich…I could go on. This low carb chicken salad is a tasty little snack or an elevated lunch. It all depends on how hungry you are and your favorite way to serve it.
Healthy chicken salad, for the win! – Linds x
Does homemade chicken salad have a lot of carbs?
The number of carbs in homemade chicken salad depends on the recipe. To keep the carb count down, avoid ordering salads with added fruit, like cranberries, grapes, or apples. Look for salads with a veggie, mayonnaise, and nut base — this keto chicken salad is a great example, with only 2g of net carbs per serving.
Healthy Chicken Salad Ingredients + Substitutes
- Mayonnaise – the best chicken salad base! Keto Greek yogurt can work, however, it’s less creamy and will add some carbs.
- Lemon juice – Pickle juice or white vinegar will also work. This touch of acid rounds out the salad flavor.
- Chicken breast – leftovers or any store-bought option will do. Turn this into a canned chicken salad using thoroughly drained and flaked canned chicken. You can also make rotisserie chicken salad using a shucked rotisserie chicken.
- Slivered almonds for a bit of crunch. If you can’t find slivered almonds, feel free to use chopped blanched almonds (almonds without the skin). You can also swap with your favorite nut — pecans and walnuts are great.
- Celery + red onion to bulk up the salad and add even more crunch.
How about some keto-friendly mix-ins?
Above is my classic chicken salad recipe — basic, and ready for whatever addition you’re craving. Here are some ideas for you…
1. Pesto chicken salad – add pesto to the mayonnaise, and substitute almonds for pine nuts. I also like to add in diced tomatoes.
2. Dill pickle – substitute the celery for diced dill pickles, the lemon juice with pickle juice, and the parsley for fresh dill.
3. Curry chicken salad – add curry powder to the mayonnaise. If it works with your meal plan, add raisins.
4. Bacon, ranch, and cheddar – substitute half the mayo for ranch, and green onions for red onions. Add cooked and crumbled bacon, as well as shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bacon, ranch, and cheddar – substitute half the mayo for ranch, and green onions for red onions. Add cooked and crumbled bacon, as well as shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Mediterranean Greek yogurt chicken salad – I use Greek yogurt (although mayonnaise works as well). Add sun-dried tomatoes, feta, dill, and 1 clove of minced garlic.
7. Mexican chicken salad – Add keto taco seasoning to the mayonnaise, and swap the celery with bell peppers.
8. Avocado chicken salad – Mash an avocado, and use that instead of the mayonnaise!
9. Buffalo chicken salad – Mix Frank’s red hot into the mayonnaise. Add crumbled blue cheese and swap red onions for green.
How to Make Keto Chicken Salad:
- Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, pepper, and salt to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add the chicken, almonds, red onion, and parsley, and stir until everything is well incorporated.
How To Serve Chicken Salad (The Low Carb Way!)
Serve your low carb chicken salad however you’re craving! Some ideas include:
- Crackers – check out my keto crackers, flaxseed crackers, or cheese crackers. You can also buy store-bought options.
- Veggies, like celery stalks, sliced cucumber, or carrot spears.
- Stuffed vegetables – take a hint from my cucumber subs or stuffed peppers without rice. You can also place a dollop on top of a halved avocado.
- Lettuce wraps – butter lettuce is my favorite for this.
- Keto bread – there are more and more store-bought low carb bread options. Check out my keto sandwich bread for a homemade alternative.
How To Store This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
In the fridge, in an air-tight container. Before serving your low carb chicken salad, give everything a good stir, as the veggies will release liquid as they sit, which should be incorporated back in.
More Low Carb Salad Recipes with Chicken
Keto Chicken Salad
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise (note 1)
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 Cups Chicken Breast cooked and chopped
- 1/2 Cup Almonds slivered
- 1/2 Cup Celery minced
- 1/4 Cup Red Onion minced
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add everything else, and stir until well coated.
- Eat with a spoon, inside a lettuce wrap or on top of an avocado. Enjoy!
Fans Also Made These Low Carb Recipes:
Lindsey’s Tips
- Mayonnaise – if looking for a lower fat (although slightly higher in carb) option, opt for keto Greek yogurt.
- Chicken – Any cooked/diced or shredded chicken will do here! Some options include:
- Poached chicken – Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add chicken (make sure it’s submerged in 1-2″ of water). Place the lid on top, and bring the water back to a boil. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and don’t remove the lid for 20 minutes. Check internal temp before removing, cooked chicken will be done at 165 F.
- Leftover chicken
- Canned chicken – be sure to drain and flake with a fork
- Rotisserie chicken – shuck and remove any skin.
- Almonds – if you can’t find slivered almonds, feel free to chop up blanched almonds, and use those instead.
- Nutritional information is based on 1 serving if you divide this recipe into 6 servings, which is about 1/2 cup:
