Servings | Total Time | Difficulty | Calories
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (using cooked chicken)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: 315 per serving
Keto Creamy Chicken Salad
This Keto Creamy Chicken Salad is a quick, satisfying meal packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh herbs. Made with tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, red onion, creamy mayonnaise, and a touch of lemon and mustard, it’s bursting with flavor while staying low in carbs. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, making a quick lunch, or looking for a keto-friendly dinner, this chicken salad is simple, delicious, and ready in just 10 minutes.
Serve it in crisp lettuce cups, over mixed greens, or enjoy it straight from the bowl for an easy, filling meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Keto and low-carb
- High in protein
- Ready in 10 minutes
- No cooking required
- Perfect for meal prep
- Naturally gluten-free
- Great for lunch or dinner
- Only 2g carbs per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons celery, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped parsley
- Diced avocado
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped pecans
- Sliced almonds
- Chopped pickles
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Finely chop the onion, celery, and fresh dill.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Yellow mustard
- Lemon juice
- Black pepper
- Salt
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Add the shredded chicken, celery, onion, and fresh dill to the bowl.
Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Chill (Optional)
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Serve
Serve chilled over lettuce leaves, inside lettuce wraps, or enjoy it on its own.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
- Finely dice the vegetables for the best texture.
- Fresh dill provides the brightest flavor, but dried dill can be substituted if needed.
- Chill before serving for even better taste.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your preferred consistency.
Variations
Avocado Chicken Salad
Fold in one diced avocado before serving.
Bacon Ranch
Add crispy bacon and a teaspoon of ranch seasoning.
Spicy Chicken Salad
Mix in diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce.
Herb Lovers
Add fresh parsley, chives, and basil.
Mediterranean Style
Mix in chopped olives, feta cheese, and cucumber.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended, as mayonnaise tends to separate and the vegetables lose their crisp texture after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this chicken salad:
- In lettuce wraps
- Over mixed greens
- Stuffed into avocado halves
- With cucumber slices
- Inside low-carb tortillas
- On keto bread
- With celery sticks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. Drain it well before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt?
Yes. Replace part or all of the mayonnaise with full-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
How long will it last?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored properly.
Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Absolutely. It makes an excellent make-ahead lunch for busy weekdays.
Can I add cheese?
Yes. Shredded cheddar or grated Parmesan both pair well with this salad.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 315
- Protein: 22g
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
- Sodium: 276mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the brands of ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Creamy Chicken Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. Loaded with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, fresh dill, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and ideal for meal prep, this refreshing chicken salad is sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
