• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Kicking Carbs

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Contact Me
  • Keto Quick Start Guide
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Wendy Polisi
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Me
  • Keto & Low Carb Recipes
  • Keto Chaffles
  • Keto Recipes for the Low Carb Lifestyle
  • Privacy Policy
  • Recipe Index
  • Resources
  • ×

    Home » Lunch » Keto Chicken Salad

    Keto Chicken Salad

    Published: Aug 23, 2021 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Aug 23, 2021 · 925 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    • 168
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Making a low-carb lunch is a breeze with this Keto Chicken Salad! You will love how quick it is to make, and with just one net carb a serving it will help you stay on track with your macros. Serve it by itself, in a low-carb tortilla, or lettuce wraps. Perfect for meal prep, you can keep this recipe in the refrigerator for up to four or five days.

    Photo of a white plate of keto chicken salad in lettuce wraps drizzled with hot sauce.

    One of my favorite things about following a low-carb diet is that it lets me enjoy many of my favorites without any guilt.

    Real cream in my coffee. Chocolate fat bombs. And pizza with fathead dough.

    Swoon

    I still get amazed that I can eat these things and not only feel great but lose weight.

    Another thing I now enjoy on the regular? Keto-Friendly Chicken Salad.

    This Keto Chicken Salad makes a regular appearance on my lunch table. I like to double the recipe, so it is enough for the whole family to have lunch for a few days.

    My favorite way to serve this is in lettuce leaves because it gives me room to have a higher-carb dinner. 

    I've also made gluten-free almond flour tortillas and melted cheese over it for a chicken salad melt. To. Die. For.

    Either way you serve it, you will love having a quick and easy keto lunch to reach for.

    Subscribe and Get My Best Comfort Food Recipes!

      We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.
      Built with ConvertKit

      Ingredients for Making This Keto Chicken Salad Recipe

      • Chicken:  You can use breasts or thighs. It is a great way to use leftover chicken, but you can also cook some chicken up in your instant pot or pick up a rotisserie chicken.
      • Bacon:  Whatever type of bacon you prefer works, but do check the label to make sure it is sugar-free.
      • Pickles:  Look for pickles with zero carbs. Bubbies is my go-to brand.
      • Celery and Onion:  Both add flavor and crunch.
      • Pecans:  If you have time, toast your pecans first. This brings out the flavor.
      • Dill: Fresh is best, but you can use dried if you don't have fresh.
      • Mayonnaise:  Make sure you check the label and use a brand that is sugar-free.
      • Vinegar:  I used apple cider vinegar, but red or white wine vinegar would work as well.
      • Mustard:  I like Dijon mustard, but grainy brown mustard works too.
      • Salt and pepper: Adjust the amount to your liking.

      Frequently Asked Questions 

      Is Chicken Salad Keto?


      That depends on the recipe! Many recipes are, but not all. It is important that you use mayonnaise that does not contain sugar.

      Additionally, avoid recipes that contain fruits like grapes, which are high in sugar.

      Can You Eat Mayo on Keto?


      Yes, you can, as long as you read the label. Some mayonnaise has added sugar. Stick to one that doesn't or make your own mayonnaise.

      It takes less than 10 minutes and gives you complete control over the ingredients.

      Can You Eat Pickles on Keto?


      Yes! They are a great grab and go snack, perfect with burgers, and add a zip to recipes like this chicken salad. Like with mayo, you just need to read labels and make sure that you are getting a brand with no added sugar.

      I prefer refrigerated pickles, which are fermented and have only clean ingredients.

      How Many Carbs are in Homemade Chicken Salad?


      The amount will vary by recipe, but this one has just 1 net carb per serving.

      What Chicken Should I Use?


      Most any type of cooked chicken will work. Options include:
      Rotisserie Chicken
      Air Fryer Chicken with No Breading
      Keto Grilled Chicken

      Serving Suggestions

      • Lettuce Cups
      • On Low Carb Crackers
      • In a Low Carb Wrap
      • Over a Green Salad

      Storage

      Keto chicken salad with bacon will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing it.

      Variations

      • Use Keto Ranch Dressing in place of the dressing.
      • Add three ounces of crumbled blue cheese to the dry ingredients and two tablespoons of buffalo hot sauce to the dressing.
      • Swap out the onions for scallions.
      • Add diced avocado just before serving.
      • Use macadamia nuts or almonds in place of the pecans.
      Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

      How to Make Low Carb Chicken Salad

      To make this recipe, start by shredding or chopping your chicken. Place it in a large mixing bowl and toss it with the bacon, chopped pickles, celery, red onion, pecans, and dill.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.

      More Keto Recipes to Try

      • Keto Pecans are one of my go-to snacks on their own and also a delicious way to elevate this recipe!
      • When you want a salad that never fails to satisfy, this Low Carb Cobb Salad is perfection.
      • Keto Stuffed Chicken is one of my go-to meals. It works just as well for entertaining as it does a busy weeknight meal.
      Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.
      If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
      Print Recipe

      Keto Chicken Salad Recipe

      This Keto Chicken Salad is packed with so much flavor and texture that your tastebuds will do a happy dance.  This easy recipe is perfect for lunch.  Add it to your meal prep routine.
      Prep Time15 mins
      Total Time15 mins
      Course: Main Course
      Cuisine: American
      Keyword: chicken salad
      Servings: 6
      Calories: 453kcal
      Author: Wendy Polisi
      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

      Ingredients

      • 16 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cooked
      • 8 ounces bacon cooked
      • 2 dill pickles chopped
      • ½ cup chopped celery
      • ¼ cup chopped red onion
      • ¼ cup chopped pecans
      • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
      • Dressing
      • ⅔ cup mayonnaise
      • 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
      • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
      • ½ teaspoon salt
      • ½ teaspoon pepper

      Instructions

      • Chop or shred the chicken. Place in a large bowl and add bacon, dill pickles, celery, red onion, pecans, and dill.
      • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
      • Add the mayonnaise mixture to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
      • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 914mg | Potassium: 424mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 1.8mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.7mg

      Other Keto Lunch Recipes to Try:

      • Turkey and Bacon Lettuce Wraps
      • Blackened Shrimp Salad
      First Published: April 17, 2019... Last Updated: Feb 13, 2020
      « Keto Yogurt Recipe
      Keto Baked Brie - Low Carb and Gluten-Free »
      • 168

      Reader Interactions

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      Primary Sidebar

      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • Twitter

      Welcome

      I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

      Favorites

      Square photo of cheesy Keto Asparagus on a white serving platter with lemon.
      Square photo of keto cheeseburger casserole.
      Overhead photo of three small white dishes of Keto Chicken Pot Pie sitting on a wooden background and a white napkin.
      Overhead photo of Keto Sausage Gravy on a Biscuit garnished with parsley and crushed red pepper flakes.
      Photo of a Keto Reuben Sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white cutting board.
      Close up square photo of a Keto Onion Ring on a white tile background.

      More Posts from this Category

      Footer

      Privacy Policy

      Affiliate Disclosure

      Disclaimer

      Welcome to the Kicking Carbs website (“site“). Wendy Polisi is not a health professional and information on this blog, arising from this blog, or social media related to this blog is only her personal experience and opinions. You should always check with your health care provider before beginning any diet, health plan, or lifestyle change.

      Copyright © 2023 Kicking Carbs 2020