If you are craving a dish that is zesty, fresh, and perfectly suited for low-carb living, the Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This vibrant salad combines tender shredded chicken with crisp vegetables and a tangy lemon dressing that brightens every bite. Whether you need a quick meal on a busy day or a flavorful addition to your lunch rotation, this recipe delivers big on taste and keeps things light and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of these ingredients is exactly what makes this salad shine. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s adding crunch, freshness, or that bright citrus note that lifts the whole dish. Mixing pantry staples with fresh herbs and veggies keeps this salad both easy and full of life.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Use cooked chicken for effortless protein and a tender texture.
- 1/2 cup celery, diced: Adds a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy elements.
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced: Provides a subtle sharpness and beautiful color contrast.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Infuses the salad with vibrant herbaceous notes and a pop of green.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Delivers bright acidity that balances the richness of the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brings a smooth, fruity undertone and helps marry all flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and depth to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning that brings out every ingredient’s best qualities.
How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing your shredded chicken, diced celery, red onion, and fresh parsley into a spacious mixing bowl. This blend of textures makes every spoonful interesting and fresh. Make sure to cut the vegetables evenly so each bite has consistent flavor and crunch.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This fresh, zesty dressing is the star of this salad, adding brightness and tying all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour your lemony dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every shred of chicken is coated and every piece of celery and onion gets enlivened by the dressing. This step is crucial for flavor balance.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can enjoy this salad immediately for a fresh, crisp experience or refrigerate it for later to let the flavors meld softly. Either way, it’s a quick and tasty meal perfect for busy days or as an impressive dish to bring to gatherings.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few sprigs of fresh parsley or a thin lemon wedge on the side can make the presentation pop and invite you to dive right in. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top also adds a subtle spice that enhances the salad’s flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with keto-friendly sides like a crisp cucumber salad, roasted asparagus, or simply some buttery avocado slices. These options keep your meal light but packed with nutrients and complementary textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe in hollowed-out avocado halves or stuffed inside crisp lettuce cups. These ideas add a visual wow factor and provide a handy, mess-free eating experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors do deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly made.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated; freezing is not recommended as the texture of celery and fresh herbs changes upon thawing, which can affect the overall crunch and freshness.
Reheating
The Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warm version, gently reheat the chicken separately and toss it with fresh herbs and lemon juice right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works perfectly for this salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for a few days and makes a great grab-and-go lunch option.
Can I substitute the lemon juice with lime juice?
Yes, lime juice will give a slightly different but equally delicious citrus twist to the salad.
What can I add to make the salad creamier?
A dollop of full-fat mayonnaise or sour cream would add creamy richness while keeping it keto-friendly.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe contains no dairy ingredients as written.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a fresh, zesty, and effortlessly delicious meal, I can’t recommend this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe enough. It’s simple to make, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for keeping your meals light but satisfying. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad that keeps keto eating enjoyable and exciting.
Print
Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A quick and refreshing Lemon Herb Chicken Salad that’s perfect for a keto-friendly diet. This light and flavorful recipe combines shredded chicken breast with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing, making it an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken breast, diced celery, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix evenly to distribute the ingredients.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Combine salad and dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the lemon herb dressing.
- Serve or store: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and refrigerate for later consumption. The flavors will meld nicely if chilled for up to 24 hours.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and mustard to suit your taste preferences.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For added crunch, consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds if it fits your diet.
- Serve over a bed of leafy greens for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
