This refreshing Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of light, zesty, and protein-packed. With the brightness of fresh lemon and herbs, it’s an ideal keto-friendly meal that’s easy to make and perfect for lunch or meal prep. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just looking for a healthy, flavorful dish, this chicken salad hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is everything you want in a quick, healthy meal: light, refreshing, and full of bright, fresh flavors. The combination of tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and tangy lemon dressing makes for a deliciously satisfying dish. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and full of healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a keto diet. Plus, it takes only 10 minutes to prepare, so it’s perfect for busy days or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
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1/2 cup celery, diced
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1/4 cup red onion, diced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, and fresh parsley.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
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Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Add-ins: For more texture, you can add sliced almonds, walnuts, or avocado. If you’re not following a strict keto diet, you can also include a few grape tomatoes or cucumber for extra freshness.
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Herbs: If you love herbs, you can experiment with fresh dill, basil, or chives to change up the flavor profile.
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Dressing variations: To make it even creamier, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing. You could also substitute the Dijon mustard with a little bit of horseradish for extra zing.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: This chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe! Just shred the chicken and add it to the salad for an even quicker meal.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch throughout the week.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top or add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Can I use a different type of oil for the dressing?
Yes, you can use avocado oil or any other mild-tasting oil in place of olive oil. Just make sure the oil has a neutral flavor to complement the lemon and Dijon mustard.
How do I keep this salad from getting soggy?
This salad stays crisp and fresh as long as you store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving. This way, the vegetables and chicken won’t become soggy from the dressing.
Can I add more veggies to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add other keto-friendly vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
Can I make this salad without Dijon mustard?
Yes, you can substitute the Dijon mustard with yellow mustard or even skip it altogether if you prefer a simpler dressing.
Can I add cheese to this chicken salad?
Yes, adding cheese like feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar would complement the fresh flavors and add a creamy, rich texture to the salad.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
This recipe works great with any type of cooked chicken, such as grilled, roasted, or poached. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded for easy mixing.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free, but if you want a creamier version, you can add some Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Conclusion
This Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is a light and fresh keto-friendly meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, full of healthy ingredients, and versatile enough to make ahead for meal prep. Whether you enjoy it as a lunch, dinner, or light snack, this chicken salad will keep you satisfied and energized. With its bright, zesty dressing and protein-packed chicken, it’s a perfect addition to your healthy eating routine!
Print
Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly)
This Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is a light, refreshing, and keto-friendly meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Made with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s high in protein, low in carbs, and full of healthy fats. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is a quick, satisfying, and flavorful option for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, and fresh parsley.
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In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
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Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
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Add-ins: For extra texture, add sliced almonds, walnuts, or avocado. For additional freshness, consider grape tomatoes or cucumber (if not following strict keto).
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Herbs: Experiment with fresh dill, basil, or chives for different flavor variations.
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Creamier Dressing: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing for a creamier texture.
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Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to increase the heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Keto, Lunch, Meal Prep
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
