Name: Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; 1 celery stalk, finely diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: butter lettuce leaves for serving

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If you’re searching for a fresh, zesty meal that fits right into your keto lifestyle, Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) has you covered. This vibrant salad sings with the punchy brightness of lemon and the aromatic allure of fresh herbs, all wrapped up in a creamy, tangy dressing. Each bite is satisfying yet light, with tender chicken, a crisp medley of vegetables, and plenty of wholesome flavor. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving, whether you need a quick lunch, a make-ahead meal, or a crowd-pleasing party platter. Dive in and discover why this salad might just become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) lies in its short list of humble ingredients, each one adding vital character. Every component works together, delivering contrast in flavors and textures, so be sure to use the freshest you can find.

Chicken breast: Use cooked, shredded or chopped chicken breast for lean protein and the best texture—it’s also a tasty way to utilize leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings everything together; opt for a good-quality mayo or try avocado oil-based for an extra keto kick.
Olive oil: Adds silkiness and elevates the citrus notes while keeping the salad luscious and rich.
Fresh lemon juice: For that must-have zing and bright acidity; freshly squeezed is non-negotiable for real flavor.
Lemon zest: Packs serious lemon essence into every bite, making the salad pop.
Fresh parsley: Adds green color and a grassy freshness that awakens the palate.
Fresh dill: Offers an herby punch and irresistible aroma distinctive to classic chicken salads.
Celery: Finely diced for crispy crunch and a clean, subtle bitterness that balances the creamy dressing.
Red onion: Bright, sharp finely chopped onion for a little bite and a burst of color.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the layers of flavor.
Butter lettuce leaves (optional): For serving—their gentle sweetness and ruffled cups make salad scooping irresistibly fun and pretty!

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

Step 1: Mix the Lemon Herb Dressing

Start by grabbing a large bowl; this will be the base for your Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly). In the bowl, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and dill. Give it all a good stir until the mixture is smooth and the herbs are evenly distributed. This dressing is what gives the salad its creamy, tangy backbone, so don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the lemon level to suit your preferences.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Veggies

Once your dressing is ready, add the chopped or shredded chicken, finely diced celery, and red onion directly into the bowl. If you’re using leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, you’ll notice it gives extra flavor that plays beautifully with the herbs. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the dressing hugs every morsel and the veggies are spread throughout.

Step 3: Season and Chill

Now it’s time to bring it all to life with a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix again, then cover and pop the bowl into the refrigerator. Letting the salad chill for at least 20 minutes is key; this short rest period allows the flavors to marry, the herbs to infuse, and the dressing to set to creamy perfection.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

After your Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) has chilled, give it a final stir, then serve as you wish. Spoon it into butter lettuce cups for a low-carb crunch, use it as a filling for keto wraps, or simply enjoy a cold, satisfying bowlful. Every bite is a burst of lemon, herb, and savory goodness.

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

Garnishes

A finishing touch of freshly chopped herbs on top makes this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) even more inviting. Try a little extra dill or parsley sprinkled right before serving, a dusting of fresh black pepper, or even a few curls of lemon zest for that citrusy sparkle. If you like a little extra crunch, toss on some toasted almond slivers for a delightful contrast.

Side Dishes

While this salad shines on its own, pairing it with the right side transforms it into a true meal. For a keto-friendly feast, serve alongside sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or a crisp fennel salad. If you’re not strictly keto, whole-grain crackers or a hunk of crusty bread make fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Stuff the Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) into mini sweet peppers or avocados for party-ready bites. Pile it atop cucumber rounds for an elegant appetizer, or use large butter lettuce leaves as natural bowls for picnic-worthy wraps. However you serve it, you’ll have a fresh and impressive dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’ll be glad to know that Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, so in some ways it’s even better the next day!

Freezing

Chicken salad generally isn’t a great candidate for the freezer—the creamy dressing can separate and fresh herbs may lose their vibrant color and flavor. For best results, enjoy your salad within a few days while everything’s tasting its brightest.

Reheating

Since Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) is intended to be served cold, there’s no need to reheat. If you’d like it closer to room temperature, simply set it out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving and give it a gentle stir. If serving from the fridge, it’s deliciously refreshing just as is!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicier option and add a little more richness to the salad. Just be sure to remove any bones or skin, chop or shred the meat, and proceed as usual.

How can I make this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) dairy-free?

Good news: the recipe is already naturally dairy-free, as long as your mayonnaise doesn’t contain milk products. You can also swap in avocado oil mayo or a similarly creamy plant-based alternative.

What other herbs work if I don’t have dill?

While dill brings classic flavor, fresh tarragon, basil, or cilantro will also brighten the salad. Mix and match your favorite soft herbs or simply add extra parsley for a green, vibrant taste.

Can I make this salad lighter?

Of course! Swap out some or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. It creates a tangy, creamy base that’s a bit lighter but still keeps everything luscious and keto-friendly.

Is this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinners, since the flavors deepen with time. Portion into containers and enjoy a grab-and-go lunch all week.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly irresistible about a bowl of Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly)—bright, tangy, packed with protein, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re eating keto or just craving something fresh and satisfying, I hope this recipe brings a burst of sunshine to your table. Treat yourself to a homemade meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!

Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Keto-Friendly) Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a refreshing and flavorful Lemon Herb Chicken Salad that’s perfect for a light and satisfying meal. This keto-friendly salad is packed with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, making it a delicious and healthy option for lunch or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Herb Mixture:

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Additional Ingredients:

1 celery stalk, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: butter lettuce leaves for serving

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Instructions

Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and dill. Mix well.
Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, celery, and red onion to the bowl. Mix until coated in dressing.
Season: Season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 20 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy on its own, in lettuce cups, or as a wrap filling.