Keto Chicken Salad: Easy Low-Carb, High-Protein Recipe

For a meal that is quick, fresh, low in carbs, and full of flavor, nothing beats a good keto chicken salad. It fits busy days, It works for meal prep, It helps you stay on track with your keto goals without stress.

This recipe is creamy, crunchy, and so filling yet still light. And the best part?

You can customize it with keto chicken salad. Use mayo, Greek yogurt, or avocado. You can also try bold flavors like buffalo chicken salad or keto curry chicken salad.

This guide will show you how to make the perfect keto chicken salad. It also includes tasty variations your family will enjoy.

Why Keto Chicken Salad Works for Busy Lives

A Low-Carb Classic That Never Gets Old

Keto chicken salad is easy, clean, and flexible. You can make it ahead, pack it for work, or enjoy it for dinner when you want something light but satisfying.

High Protein, Healthy Fats

Chicken gives you lean protein. Mayo, avocado, and Greek yogurt add fats your keto diet needs. Together, they make a meal that keeps you full for hours.

No Cooking Skills Needed

If you can chop and mix, you can make it. This is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants fast meals without fuss.

Ingredients for the Best

Short, simple, and flexible. Use this base, then explore variations.

Base Ingredients

Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
Celery (crunch is key)
Green onions or red onion
Mayo or Greek yogurt
Lemon juice
Salt + pepper
Optional: chopped nuts for extra crunch

Why These Ingredients Matter

Chicken gives clean protein.
Mayo or Greek yogurt adds creaminess.
Celery + onions add freshness.
Lemon brightens everything.

How to Make Keto Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)

1. Shred or Dice Your Chicken

Use leftover chicken, meal-prepped chicken, or store-bought rotisserie.

Tip: Shredded chicken gives a softer texture. Diced chicken makes it chunkier.

2. Add Crunchy Veggies

Mix in celery and onion. Keep pieces small so each bite blends well.

3. Add the Creamy Base

Use:

Mayo for classic richness
Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy flavor
Half mayo + half yogurt for the best balance

4. Season Well

Salt, pepper, lemon juice. Simple, clean, perfect.

5. Chill Before Eating

Cold chicken salad tastes better. The flavors blend, and the texture improves.

10 Delicious Keto Chicken Salad Variations With

1. Mayo

This is the version most people love. Rich. Smooth. Comforting.

Use high-quality mayo for the best flavor.

Tip: Add chopped pickles or Dijon mustard for extra punch.

2. Greek Yogurt

For a lighter texture that remains keto-friendly, use Greek yogurt.

It adds protein and cuts the heaviness of mayo.

Perfect for:

Meal prep
Hot weather
Lighter lunches

3. with Egg

Eggs add healthy fats and more protein. They also make the salad creamy without extra mayo.

Try:

2 chopped boiled eggs
A dash of paprika
Green onions

4. Avocado

Avocado adds creaminess without making the salad too heavy.

This version feels fresh and heart-healthy.

Add-ins:

Lime instead of lemon
Fresh cilantro
Jalapeño for heat

5. Broccoli

Adding small pieces of raw broccoli brings crunch and fiber.

Perfect for lunch because it keeps well in the fridge.

Extra Idea:

Add almonds or walnuts for more keto fats.

6. Buffalo

If you love spicy food, this one hits hard.

Mix buffalo sauce with mayo or Greek yogurt.

Serve with:

Lettuce wraps
Celery sticks
Crumbled blue cheese (optional)

7. Keto Curry Chicken Salad

Warm curry spices turn simple chicken salad into something bold and exciting.

Add:

Curry powder
Chopped almonds
A little Greek yogurt

This version tastes great chilled and lasts well for meal prep.

8. Lemon Dill Chicken Salad

Light, clean, and refreshing.

Perfect for summer days.

Include:

Fresh dill
Lemon zest
Cucumber slices

9. Ranch Chicken Salad

Add ranch seasoning for a flavor that kids love too.

Creamy, cool, and familiar.

10. Italian Herb Chicken Salad

Use oregano, basil, olive oil, and lemon.

This version tastes like a light Mediterranean dish still low-carb.

How to Serve

1. Lettuce Wraps

Crispy and fresh. Choose butter lettuce or romaine.

2. Low-Carb Tortillas

Perfect for a quick lunch wrap.

3. Stuffed in Avocado Halves

A beautiful presentation and extra healthy fats.

4. On Top of a Green Salad

Add cucumbers, spinach, or arugula.

5. In Meal Prep Bowls

It keeps 3–4 days in the fridge.

Tips for Perfect Keto Chicken Salad Every Time

Use cold chicken

Warm chicken breaks down the dressing.

Chop everything small

You want a creamy bite each time.

Balance creamy + crunchy textures

Celery, nuts, or broccoli add life to the salad.

Taste before you chill

Make sure seasoning is right before the flavor settles.

Store airtight

This keeps the salad fresh and stops it from drying.

Meal Prep Guide

How to Store

Keep in a glass container
Store up to 4 days
Stir before serving

Best Meal Prep Combos

With cucumber slices
With leafy greens
With avocado
With celery sticks

Easy Keto Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
⅓ cup mayo or Greek yogurt
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 green onion, sliced
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt + pepper

Instructions

Add chicken to a mixing bowl.
Add celery and onions.
Add mayo or yogurt.
Season with lemon, salt, and pepper.
Mix well.
Chill 20 minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts:

Keto chicken salad is more than a quick meal. A flexible, clean, and reliable recipe fits every lifestyle. You can make it creamy, spicy, fresh, simple, or bold.

You can enjoy a filling meal that supports your keto goals. Choose from keto chicken salad with egg, avocado, broccoli, or keto curry chicken salad. Enjoy these options without stress.

Make it once, and it becomes a weekly habit. Make it your way, and it becomes a comfort food.

This keto chicken salad is easy to make and tasty. Great for anyone in the USA or Canada who wants quick, healthy meals with real flavor.

Emily Keto

Keto Diet Specialist

Emily Keto shares practical tips, meal ideas, and strategies for following a low-carb and ketogenic lifestyle. Her content helps readers stay on track and achieve their goals.

Keto Chicken Salad: Easy Low-Carb, High-Protein Recipe