This Easy Creamy Keto Chicken Salad is packed with juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a rich, creamy dressing. It’s low on carbs but high on taste!
You can enjoy it on its own or in lettuce wraps for a fun twist. I love making this for lunch; it’s quick and always makes me feel fancy without any fuss! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast is essential for this salad. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for easy prep, or even canned chicken in a pinch for convenience.
Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise keeps it creamy and keto-friendly. If you’re looking for alternatives, try avocado mayonnaise for a different twist, or Greek yogurt for a lighter option, though it will change the flavor a bit.
Sour Cream: This adds richness. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor or skip it altogether if you’re reducing calories, but the texture may be slightly different.
Dill: Fresh dill brings a bright, herby taste. If you don’t have fresh, dried dill works too. Other herbs like parsley or chives can be used as well!
How Do I Keep My Chicken Salad From Being Dry?
To ensure your chicken salad is creamy and not dry, balance the amount of chicken with enough dressing. Start with less chicken and gradually add more to get your desired consistency.
- Use full-fat mayo and sour cream—they create a creamier texture, especially when well-mixed.
- Incorporate vegetables like celery for crunch without losing moisture, and avoid over-drying your chicken by making sure it’s not overcooked.
- Letting it sit in the fridge helps flavors combine and keeps it creamy. So, don’t skip the chilling step!
Easy Creamy Keto Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat for keto)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy keto chicken salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors mix wonderfully, making it even tastier!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dressing:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until everything is nice and smooth.
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, take your shredded chicken breast and add it to the bowl with the dressing. Give it a gentle toss with a spatula until all the chicken is well-coated in that creamy mixture.
3. Mix in the Veggies:
Now, it’s time to add some crunch! Stir in the finely diced celery and the chopped red onion along with the fresh dill. Mix everything together until nicely combined and coated in the dressing.
4. Adjust the Flavor:
Give your mixture a taste and see if it needs anything more. If you feel it could use a bit more seasoning, add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as you prefer. You can also sprinkle in that pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for an extra flavor kick!
5. Chill Out!
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, when you’re ready to serve, scoop out the chicken salad into bowls or onto a platter. Garnish with a little more dill or cracked black pepper on top. Enjoy it on its own, in crisp lettuce wraps, or with your favorite keto-friendly crackers!
This Easy Creamy Keto Chicken Salad is a delightful low-carb option that’s both satisfying and full of flavor—perfect for lunch or a light meal any day!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Keto Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any precooked chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it’s well-shredded for even mixing with the dressing.
How Long Does This Chicken Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your Easy Creamy Keto Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, avoid leaving it out for long periods.
Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can easily make it dairy-free by replacing sour cream with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut yogurt or avocado. Use a dairy-free mayonnaise to keep the recipe compliant.
What Else Can I Add to This Chicken Salad?
Feel free to customize the salad with additional ingredients like chopped boiled eggs, diced pickles, or even avocado for added creaminess. Just keep in mind to keep it keto-friendly!
