Easy Chicken Salad Recipe - Healthy and Keto Friendly! (2024)

By: Krista

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Rating★★★★★ 4.6 from 19 votes

This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is a healthier version of the traditional chicken salad we all love. Made with shredded chicken breasts, greek yogurt and grapes, it has the perfect balance of creamy + crunchy. This recipe is Keto friendly too, making it an easy Keto lunch idea!

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe - Healthy and Keto Friendly! (1)

Table of Contents

  • Homemade Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes
  • What Are the Main Ingredients in Chicken Salad?
  • My Simple Trick for Making Shredded Chicken Breasts
  • How to Make Chicken Salad
  • Mix In Ideas
  • Serving Suggestions
  • How to Store Leftovers
  • Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?
  • Get the Recipe

Homemade Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes

The past couple of weeks my husband and I have been talking about having food for him to eat at work that he can grab during the day. He is one busy man and sometimes lunch just doesn’t happen. He’ll work right through it or grab a spoonful of peanut butter to hold him over. I’m not okay with it! He’s 6’5″ and NEEDS to have food in his belly! Enter this easy chicken salad recipe. It’s the perfect make-ahead lunch! Packed with lean protein from the chicken breasts and greek yogurt, it’s ideal for salads, sandwiches, wraps – you name it.

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe - Healthy and Keto Friendly! (2)

What Are the Main Ingredients in Chicken Salad?

This healthy, Keto-friendly chicken salad recipe only needs a handful of simple ingredients:

  • Chicken Breasts
  • Pecans
  • Grapes
  • Green Onion
  • Mayo
  • Greek Yogurt
  • Mustard
  • Herbs & Spices

I like to add some tang to my salad and cut the calories by adding greek yogurt and mustard instead of JUST mayo. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add so much to any dish and really make it pop! This recipe has the perfect amount of sauce versus chicken and grapes.

My Simple Trick for Making Shredded Chicken Breasts

Shredded chicken breast is the foundation of this salad but I’m not a big fan of standing at the counter trying to shred chicken breasts with forks. It takes too long! So instead I cook my chicken breasts and then use the paddle attachment in my KitchenAid stand mixer to shred the cooked chicken. Any cooking method works for this so just go with your favorite. You can boil, roast, grill or pan sear your chicken breasts then toss them in the stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Set your mixer to high speed and let it do all the hard work for you in about 45 seconds.

How to Make Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad can be a really easy recipe to make and a great option for a healthy lunch to have on hand during the week! Serve it between two slices of bread or a lettuce cup for a low carb option!

  1. Cook and Shred Your Chicken: Cook your chicken – either roast, boil, grill or pan sear. Once your chicken is cooked, then shred it using forks or my stand mixer method mentioned above.
  2. Make the Sauce: Most chicken salad sauces have a mayonnaise base. However, for this chicken salad I use greek yogurt, mustard, a small amount of mayonnaise, lemon juice, smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor), sage and garlic powder. This sauce is savory and tart but balances so well with the chicken and sweet grapes.
  3. Add Extras: Most people add fruit, hardboiled eggs, celery, nuts or onions for a little added flavor.
  4. Mix: Add your chicken, sauce and extra ingredients to one bowl. Use a large wooden spoon and stir everything together.
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Mix In Ideas

One of the best things about chicken salad is how easy it is to customize. This recipe has pecans and grapes, but you can sub these ingredients or add in more according to your preferences. Here are some variation ideas:

  • Pickles
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Veggies – Green onions, olives, diced bell pepper, and of course the classic celery!
  • Fresh or dried fruit – Diced apples, dry cranberries or even dry cherries are all tasty options.
  • Nuts – Cashews and walnuts would be delicious alternative to pecans.
  • Avocado – Add mashed avocado to your salad just before serving.

Really the options are endless. Go with your fav and dig in.

Serving Suggestions

This is one of the most versatile, protein-packed recipes you can make! I love to serve it on top of salads or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low carb alternative to sandwiches. But of course this recipe also makes an amazing chicken salad sandwich. You can also use tortillas to make chicken salad wraps, or croissants to make things a bit fancy!

How to Store Leftovers

Chicken salad will last for 5-7 days when stored in an air tight container and refrigerated. Give it a good stir when you take it out and maybe refresh the flavor with a pinch of black pepper, then serve!

Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?

I would not recommend freezing chicken salad. It tends to get watery after thawing out. However, if you choose to freeze it. Place it in a freezer safe storage bag, remove all the air from the bag and store up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw out in the refrigerator for 24 hours. I would highly recommend adding more mayo to thicken it up or it will be runny.

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If you’re in a need of a healthy and easy lunch idea, this recipe is it! It feeds an army and is freakin delicious!

Bon Appetit friends!

Side Dishes and Dips That Compliment This Recipe:

  • Creamy Potato Salad with Bacon
  • 10 Minute Creamy Cucumber Salad
  • Crispy Baked Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli
  • The Best Summer Fruit Salad
  • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
  • Asian Cucumber Salad
Easy Chicken Salad Recipe - Healthy and Keto Friendly! (5)

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Easy Chicken Salad Recipe - Healthy and Keto Friendly! (6)

Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Author: Krista @ JoyfulHealthyEats.com
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 cups of chicken salad 1x
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Assemble
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Calorie
Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is a healthier version of traditional chicken salad. Made with shredded chicken breasts, greek yogurt, grapes and a few herbs for the perfect balance of creamy + crunchy.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups halved red grapes
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/3 cup diced green onions
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 12 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. To a large bowl add shredded chicken, red grapes, pecans, and green onions.
  2. In a small bowl add yogurt, mayo, mustard, sage, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk together.
  3. Add the liquid mixture to the chicken dish.
  4. Stir everything together until it is completely combined.
  5. Serve on a slice of bread or in a cup of bibb lettuce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 168
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 157 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

Filed Under:

  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Chicken
  • Easy Healthy Dinners
  • Gluten-Free
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lunch
  • Sandwiches

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Easy Chicken Salad Recipe - Healthy and Keto Friendly! (2024)

FAQs

Is chicken salad good for losing weight? ›

Chicken salad can assist with weight loss, but there are some factors to consider. Firstly, you should control your portions. Eating too much, even hearty and healthy foods, is a barrier to losing weight. Chicken is one of the lower-fat foods, and its proteins promote satiety.

Is mayo keto-friendly? ›

Keto Mayo Nutrition Information

Mayonnaise is the perfect condiment for the Keto Diet because it consists of high fat, low protein, and zero carbohydrates. It also has many health benefits that can help you maintain Ketosis and achieve your weight loss goals on the Keto diet.

Why does chicken salad have so many carbs? ›

The average chicken salad without added fruit contains 1-3g total carbs and as few as 0g net carbs. However, they can still contain added sugar or even corn syrup in their dressings — and those with added fruits will contain even more carbs.

Can I eat chicken everyday and lose weight? ›

As far as rapid weight loss is concerned, only eating chicken for a week or 2 may result in quite noticeable results. However, relying on chicken as your only food source means you're likely to miss out on a bunch of essential vitamins and minerals, potentially leading to a nutritional deficiency.

What to avoid in salad for weight loss? ›

Crunchy Noodles, Wontons, and Tortilla Strips

“Crunchy noodles are like eating chips,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D.N., creator of BetterThanDieting.com and author of Read It Before You Eat It. All they add to your salad are calories (around 120 per half cup) and fat (half of those calories, at around 60 grams).

What salads can you eat on keto diet? ›

You can eat a variety of salads on keto, as long as they contain healthy fats and proteins and are low in carbs. Egg salad, grilled chicken salad, shrimp salad, cauliflower salad, arugula salad, cucumber salad, antipasto salad, Greek salad, Caprese salad, and spinach salad are just a few keto-friendly salads to enjoy.

How many carbs are in 1 cup of homemade chicken salad? ›

Chicken Salad (1 cup) contains 2.3g total carbs, 1.6g net carbs, 31.9g fat, 29.4g protein, and 417 calories.

Is salad with mayonnaise healthy? ›

Worst: 'Salads' With Mayonnaise

Tuna, lean chicken, and boiled eggs can be good sources of protein, but that benefit is canceled out if you drown them in mayo, which is loaded with fat, salt, and calories. For a healthier version, use a small amount of light mayonnaise and some fat-free sour cream or plain yogurt.

How many eggs a day on a keto diet? ›

It's totally fine and safe to eat up to 6 eggs a day while on the keto diet. You can consume even more eggs per day occasionally, as long as you make sure that you eat your greens, healthy fats and proteins from other sources.

How many pounds can I lose in a month with keto? ›

How Much Weight Can You Lose in a Month on Keto? Individuals on a keto diet can lose an average of 10-12 pounds in their first month if they stay consistent with the diet and maintain a calorie deficit. However, weight loss can vary depending on starting weight, age, and activity level.

Is peanut butter keto friendly? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

What happens if I eat chicken salad every day? ›

It also ensures a low-calorie diet, free of unhealthy fats. Well-seasoned grilled chicken, in particular, can boost protein supply, support strong bones and even help you lose weight. Check out what else you can gain when you add chicken to your everyday salad.

Is celery keto-friendly? ›

Celery sticks are a low calorie, low carb food that a person can eat while following a keto diet. According to the USDA , 110 g of celery — or about nine celery sticks — contains around 3 g of carbs. Celery sticks are excellent choices for dipping in nut butters, such as unsweetened peanut or almond butter.

Is cheese keto-friendly? ›

All types of cheese are allowed on the keto diet, as cheese is relatively low in carbohydrate, which complies with the key principle of the keto diet. The Ketogenic diet or “keto” diet is a low carbohydrate and high fat eating plan.

What does chicken salad do to your body? ›

Chicken salad is high in protein

Thus, just one serving of chicken salad might meet nearly one-third of your daily protein requirements. Protein is necessary for bone health and muscle strength, but it also: controls appetite. aids in the healing of your body.

Can I lose weight eating chicken breast and salad? ›

Anyone wanting to shed a few pounds can shift to salads. Adding chicken to it can further boost the process. This is because it has lower calories than your traditional diet, while the lean meat and protein ensure short-term weight loss. Protein is known to reduce appetite by inducing a feeling of fullness.

Will I lose weight if I eat salads all the time? ›

Can you lose weight by eating a salad every day? "Eating salads on a daily basis as part of an overall healthy lifestyle may support gradual weight loss over time," says Karnatz. "This is because leafy greens are low in calories and high in volume and fiber, which will keep you satisfied for longer," she adds.

Can I eat salad all day and lose weight? ›

Typical salad ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of nuts are full of fiber, water, and healthy fats that make you feel full without loading up on calories. If you're going to eat salad every day to lose weight, be sure to watch your ingredient choices and portion sizes.

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