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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken salad is so underrated. I only make it when there’s a potluck or a picnic because it’s so portable, but every time I do, I’m always reminded of how tasty it is. This chicken salad is high protein and low carb — perfect if you’re watching macros or following a Keto or low-carb diet.
I love that it’s uper simple to prepare — only three steps: cook the chicken, chop & combine with other ingredients, and chill!
Make it for your meals on the go — perfect for lunch, a picnic, or prepping ahead for busy days.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs: I commonly use rotisserie chicken to cut down on time. cups cooked chicken) What Great Grandma Ate
- Fresh vegetables: onion, carrot, and celery
- Sliced black olives
- Mayonnaise: Feel free to make your own.
- Acid to balance out the flavors: apple cider vinegar & dijon mustard
- Optional add-ins: chopped nuts, dried cranberries, dill, grapes, apples
Step-by-Step Instructions
- If using raw chicken, boil the meat for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Set aside so it cools, and chop into small pieces or shred with two forks.
- Combine with the rest of the ingredients, and enjoy right away or chill in the fridge before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Meal-prep: It stores well in an airtight container for 2-3 days — great for lunch or post-work gym refuel.
- Use cooked leftover chicken: Saves time and reduces waste.
- Swap the protein: You could use rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken if you prefer.
- Make it crunchier: Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Add sweetness: Dried cranberries, chopped apples, or grapes give a sweet counterpoint.
- Make it lighter: Use yogurt-based mayo alternative if not strictly Paleo/Keto.
- Serve it many ways: In lettuce wraps, bread, over mixed greens, as a filling for stuffed sweet potato, or simply crackers or tortilla chips.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
Main Dishes
One Pan Easy Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
If you make this hearty chicken salad, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on social media – Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for even more delicious recipes!
Hearty Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts or thighs, or 3 cups cooked chicken – chopped or shredded
- 2 stalks celery
- 1/4 small onion, sliced thinly or chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- salt & pepper, to taste
- paprika, for garnish
- Optional add ins: chopped nuts, dried cranberries, dill, grapes, apples
Instructions
- If using raw chicken, boil the meat for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.1.5 lb chicken breasts or thighs
- Set aside so it cools, and chop into small pieces or shred with two forks.
- Combine with the rest of the ingredients, and enjoy right away or chill in the fridge before serving.2 stalks celery, 1/4 small onion, 1 large carrot, 1/3 cup sliced black olives, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, salt & pepper, paprika
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
