This Creamy Keto Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and rich mayonnaise. It’s low in carbs but full of flavor!
Perfect on a salad or in a wrap, this dish is a winner. I love to have it for lunch while pretending I’m a fancy chef—even if I’m just in my kitchen in pajamas! 😄
It’s super easy to whip up, just chop and mix! I often make extra to snack on throughout the week. It’s healthy, delicious, and keeps well in the fridge!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience and flavor. If you don’t have that, poaching chicken breasts is easy. Just simmer until cooked, then shred for this tasty salad!
Mayonnaise: I recommend using avocado or olive oil-based mayo for a healthier twist. If you can’t find it, regular mayonnaise will work fine. Greek yogurt could also be a great low-carb replacement!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess to the salad. You can swap it with plain yogurt (Greek works well) if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s unsweetened.
Celery: Celery adds crunch! If you want something different, try finely chopped bell peppers or even cucumber for a fresh bite.
Dill: Fresh dill is fantastic, but if you don’t have any, dried dill will work too! Just remember, dried herbs are usually stronger, so use less.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Chicken Salad?
The flavor comes alive with a good mixing technique and letting it rest! Start by mixing your wet ingredients—like mayo and sour cream—with the shredded chicken until everything is evenly coated. This ensures every bite is creamy.
- Chop your vegetables finely to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- After mixing, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully!
- Adjust the seasoning right before serving. Taste and tweak the salt and pepper to your liking!
How to Make Creamy Keto Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie or poached)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado or olive oil-based for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons dill pickles, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. That’s just 40 minutes in total for a delicious, refreshing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix thoroughly until all the chicken is well coated in the creamy mixture. This will be the delicious base of your salad.
2. Adding Crunchy Veggies:
Next, add the finely diced celery, diced red onion, chopped dill pickles, chopped dill, and lemon juice to the bowl. Stir everything together gently, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly combined. This will give your salad a fresh and crunchy texture!
3. Seasoning to Taste:
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in salt and pepper according to your taste. Give it another good stir to mix in the seasonings. Taste a little to see if you want to adjust anything; you can always add more for that perfect flavor!
4. Chilling the Salad:
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is important as it allows all the flavors to meld together and makes the salad really refreshing.
5. Serving Your Salad:
After chilling, your creamy keto chicken salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it chilled on its own or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a perfect keto-friendly meal. Enjoy your healthy and delicious creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, like grilled, baked, or leftover rotisserie chicken. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into small pieces for the best texture in your salad!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make the salad dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream. For the mayonnaise, you can opt for a vegan mayo made from avocado or soy. Just check the labels to ensure they fit your dietary needs!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, avoid adding any garnishes until you’re ready to serve. Re-stir if needed before serving!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Salad?
Of course! Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like chopped bell peppers, hard-boiled eggs, or even nuts for extra crunch and flavor. Just ensure that your additions are keto-friendly!
