You’re busy. You want food that doesn’t taste like cardboard. And you’d rather not carb-load like a marathon runner when you’re just trying to survive a Tuesday.
Enter: low-carb chicken salad. It’s crunchy, creamy, and packed with protein—no sad desk lunch energy here. This isn’t your grandma’s mayo-glued abomination.
It’s lean, mean, and ready in 10 minutes. Want to know the best part? You won’t miss the bread. (Okay, maybe a little.
But you’ll live.)
Why This Recipe Slaps
This chicken salad checks every box: high protein, low carb, stupidly easy. It’s got texture from crisp veggies, richness from avocado (or mayo, if you’re old-school), and a tangy kick from lemon or vinegar. No weird ingredients, no 20-step prep.
Just real food that keeps you full for hours. Plus, it’s versatile—eat it straight, wrap it in lettuce, or shovel it into your face with a fork. Your call.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/4 cup mayo or mashed avocado (for the keto crowd)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow if you’re basic)
- 1 celery stalk, diced (for crunch)
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped (soak in cold water for 5 mins if you hate raw onion breath)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (because fresh garlic is overrated here)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, but don’t be shy)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (brightens it up)
- Optional: chopped pickles, nuts, or herbs (if you’re feeling fancy)
How to Make It (Without Screwing Up)
- Shred the chicken. Use two forks or your hands—channel your inner caveman.
- Mix the wet stuff. In a bowl, combine mayo/avocado, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth.
- Add the chicken and veggies. Toss in chicken, celery, onion, and any extras. Fold gently unless you enjoy mush.
- Taste and adjust. Need more salt? Acid?
Mayo? Fix it now, not after you’ve packed it for lunch.
- Chill (optional but recommended). Let it sit for 10 mins so flavors marry. Or eat it immediately—we’re not the food police.
How to Store It (So It Doesn’t Turn Into Science Fair Mold)
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you used avocado, squeeze extra lemon juice on top to delay browning. Freezing? Don’t.
The texture will betray you.
Why This Recipe Is a Win
- Macro-friendly: High protein, low carb, and healthy fats keep you full without the crash.
- Meal-prep hero: Make a batch on Sunday, and lunch is sorted for days.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge—no stress.
- No cooking required: Use leftover or store-bought chicken. Laziness approved.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Over-mixing: You’re not making cement. Fold gently to keep texture.
- Skimping on seasoning: Taste as you go.
Bland chicken salad is a crime.
- Using dry chicken: Leftover rotisserie or poached chicken works best. Overcooked = sad.
- Ignoring acid: Lemon juice or vinegar cuts the richness. Don’t skip it.
Swaps and Subs (Because Life Happens)
- No mayo? Greek yogurt or mashed avocado works.
- Allergic to nuts? Skip ’em or use seeds for crunch.
- Veggie haters? Replace celery with cucumber or bell peppers.
- Spice it up: Add hot sauce, cayenne, or jalapeños if you like pain.
FAQs (Because You’re Judging Me Already)
Can I use canned chicken?
Technically, yes.
But the texture’s iffy, and the flavor’s sad. Rotisserie chicken is 10x better IMO.
How do I make it creamier?
Add more mayo or avocado. FYI, this isn’t health food if you drown it in mayo—just saying.
Can I meal-prep this for the whole week?
3 days max.
After that, the veggies get soggy, and nobody wants that.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yep. Just track your macros if you’re strict. Skip sugary add-ins like dried fruit.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Lettuce wraps, on a bed of greens, or straight from the bowl like a raccoon.
No judgment.
Final Thoughts
This low-carb chicken salad is the lazy person’s meal prep dream. It’s fast, flexible, and actually tastes good—unlike most “healthy” recipes that require a PhD in kitchen logistics. Make it once, and you’ll never stare at a sad deli sandwich again.
Now go forth and conquer lunch like the efficient, hungry human you are.