If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh meal that feels light yet satisfying, look no further than this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe. It brings together tender shredded chicken with crisp celery and zingy red onion, all brightened by a zesty lemon and mustard dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner, this salad is packed with flavor and texture while staying completely keto-friendly. Whether you’re new to low-carb eating or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s the juicy shredded chicken providing protein and heartiness or the fresh herbs lending a lively, aromatic note. The crisp celery adds crunch while the lemon juice brings a refreshing citrus brightness that ties everything together deliciously.

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie for convenience and tenderness.
1/2 cup celery, diced: Adds a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft chicken.
1/4 cup red onion, diced: Gives a gentle sharpness without overpowering the salad.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Boosts color and adds a clean, herbaceous note.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: The star of the salad’s bright, tangy dressing.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps bring the dressing together smoothly.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Introduces a subtle depth and mild heat to the flavor profile.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Start by placing the shredded chicken, diced celery, red onion, and chopped parsley into a large mixing bowl. This combination brings a perfect mix of protein, crunch, and fresh herbaceous notes that will shine in the final salad.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing is wonderfully light but bursting with flavor, creating the ideal tangy and slightly creamy coating for the chicken mixture.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour the freshly made dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently stir to ensure every bite is coated, marrying all of the bright, fresh ingredients perfectly. The salad will immediately smell enticing with that fresh lemon-herb aroma.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

You can dive in right away for a crisp, refreshing meal or cover and refrigerate it for later. Chilling allows the flavors to meld even deeper, giving you a more cohesive and flavorful salad experience when you’re ready to eat.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle additional chopped parsley or a few lemon zest curls on top before serving. You can also add some freshly cracked black pepper for an inviting aroma that complements the salad perfectly.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with simple sides like leafy greens or roasted vegetables to keep your meal keto-compliant. A handful of crunchy keto crackers or a small portion of avocado slices can also provide extra texture and healthy fats.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad inside halved avocado bowls or spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a delightful handheld option. You might even stuff it into keto-friendly pita pockets or serve it atop a bed of cauliflower rice for a satisfying and elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

While the salad tastes best fresh, you can freeze the shredded chicken before assembly. However, the salad itself does not freeze well because the celery and fresh herbs tend to lose their texture and brightness after thawing.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm the chicken, do so before tossing with the fresh vegetables and dressing to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other herbs instead of parsley?

Absolutely! Fresh dill, basil, or cilantro can be excellent substitutes or additions to parsley, each bringing a unique twist to the flavor profile without compromising the keto-friendliness of the dish.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Keep the salad refrigerated in a sealed container, and it will stay fresh for several days, making your busy week easier and tastier.

Can I substitute lemon juice with lemon zest?

Lemon juice provides the necessary acidity and wetness for the dressing, so it’s important for both flavor and texture. You can add a bit of lemon zest for extra aroma, but it shouldn’t fully replace the juice.

What can I add to make it more filling?

Adding sliced avocado, hard-boiled eggs, or a handful of nuts like almonds or walnuts will boost the satiety while keeping the salad keto-friendly and deliciously rich.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe contains no dairy, making it an excellent option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe enough—it’s fast, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or something to impress your guests with minimal effort, this salad always delivers. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!

Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe

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4 from 70 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Keto-Friendly Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is a fresh, low-carb dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Made with shredded cooked chicken breast, crisp celery, red onion, and fresh parsley, tossed in a tangy lemon, olive oil, and Dijon mustard dressing, it delivers vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture without compromising your keto goals.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad 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 Ingredients

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, diced celery, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently to evenly distribute all ingredients.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir carefully to coat all the salad ingredients with the flavorful dressing.
Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately for best freshness, or cover and refrigerate for later consumption, allowing the flavors to meld for enhanced taste.