Coming in at just 3 net carbs, this Keto Chicken Salad recipe is packed with flavor and simple to prepare. It’s an ideal low-carb option for packed lunches, light dinners, or meal prep.
Rich mayonnaise and a splash of Dijon mustard create a creamy, tangy dressing for this chicken salad. Serve it in crisp lettuce leaves, on low-carb tortillas, or over a bed of greens for an easy, satisfying meal.
Keto Chicken Salad Recipe
Classic chicken salad translates beautifully to a keto-friendly version with just a few simple swaps and additions. This recipe keeps the flavors you expect—creamy mayo, tangy Dijon, and crunchy celery—while trimming carbs and adding protein. It’s quick to assemble, customizable, and great for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle.
Use leftover cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or roasted chicken breast. The salad comes together in minutes and stores well, making it an effortless choice for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients in Keto Chicken Salad
This healthy chicken salad uses a short ingredient list, most of which are likely already in your kitchen.
- Mayonnaise – Provides richness and a smooth texture. Full-fat mayonnaise keeps this recipe keto-friendly. If you prefer, swap a portion for plain Greek yogurt and add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Dijon mustard – Adds a mild tang that balances the mayo.
- Dried dill – Or use fresh dill when available for a brighter herb note.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste.
- Rotisserie or cooked chicken breast – Shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Celery – Diced for crunch and fiber.
- Walnuts – Chopped, for texture and healthy fats.
- Blue cheese – Crumbled; optional if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Lettuce leaves – For wrapping if you want a low-carb sandwich alternative.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is versatile. Serve it in bibb or romaine lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option. Spread it on cloud bread or low-carb tortillas for a sandwich-style meal, or spoon it over mixed greens for a hearty salad. It also pairs well with sliced cucumber or celery sticks for dipping.
To add extra texture and flavor, top with additional chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese, or a few crispy bacon pieces if you have them on hand.
How many carbs in this chicken salad recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of total carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, which results in about 3 net carbs per serving—making it a reliable low-carb choice.
Recipe Variations
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky depth and extra crunch.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty profile.
- Use fresh herbs—dill, chives, or parsley—to brighten the flavor.
- If blue cheese is too strong, substitute crumbled feta or omit the cheese altogether.
How to Meal Prep Keto Chicken Salad
Divide the chicken salad into individual airtight containers for grab-and-go lunches. Store toppings—blue cheese, walnuts, and lettuce leaves—separately to keep textures crisp. Assemble just before eating for the best texture and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. If the salad becomes a little firm after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving or stir in a small splash of olive oil or additional mayo to loosen the dressing.
Recipe
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¾ lb rotisserie chicken breast, shredded
- 2 medium celery stalks, diced
- 3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (optional)
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- Lettuce leaves, for wrapping
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dried dill. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken and diced celery to the dressing. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Spoon the chicken salad into lettuce leaves or onto your preferred low-carb bread. Top with crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts if desired, then serve immediately.
Nutrition
Per serving: Calories 527 kcal; Carbohydrates 5 g; Fiber 2 g; Protein 31 g; Fat 44 g; Saturated Fat 10 g; Sodium 911 mg; Cholesterol 109 mg; Sugar 1 g.
Notes & Tips
For a lighter version, use part-skim Greek yogurt mixed with mayonnaise. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. If preparing ahead, keep crunchy ingredients separate until serving to maintain texture.
More easy keto recipes
Try other simple low-carb crowd-pleasers like keto cobb salad, egg roll in a bowl, or low-carb deviled eggs for more meal ideas. If you make this chicken salad, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out!