Unlock an explosion of vibrant flavors with our Keto Lemon Herb Chicken Salad – a truly sensational dish designed to elevate your everyday meals. This isn’t just another chicken salad; it’s a culinary masterpiece, beginning with a robust and zesty marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary centerpiece. Imagine succulent, perfectly grilled chicken, infused with aromatic herbs and bright lemon, atop a crisp bed of greens and an array of colorful, nutritious toppings. This salad is so incredibly delicious and satisfying, you’ll find yourself craving it daily.
Exquisite Lemon Herb Chicken: A Flavorful Journey
The inspiration for this easy yet sophisticated lemon herb chicken salad stems from my beloved balsamic strawberry chicken salad. While I certainly appreciate a rich, creamy, mayo-based chicken salad, my goal has been to diversify my recipe collection with more fresh, vibrant, and traditional salad options. This recipe embodies that vision perfectly.
Both the balsamic-infused chicken salad and this delightful lemon herb version feature intensely marinated chicken, ensuring every bite is bursting with an unforgettable taste. This commitment to flavor is what sets these salads apart. This Lemon Herb Chicken transforms what could be a mundane plate of lettuce into an exciting, eagerly anticipated meal. The true magic lies in the harmonious blend of the zesty dressing and the thoughtfully chosen toppings, which together create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for your fork repeatedly.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its unparalleled adaptability. Do you have a particular ingredient preference or a specific dietary need? Feel free to customize it! If there’s an ingredient you’re not fond of, simply omit it or swap it for something you love. This salad is designed to be completely flexible, allowing you to create your ideal meal every time.
Effortless Chicken Salad Perfection: Components and Customization
Crafting this incredible salad is surprisingly simple, broken down into three core components: the marinated chicken, the fresh salad base, and the homemade dressing. Each element is straightforward to prepare and easily adjustable to suit your personal preferences, making this easy chicken salad a weeknight favorite or a go-to for entertaining.
Even if you only intend to use the marinade, this recipe is a must-save. The vibrant lemon, pungent garlic, and fresh herb marinade penetrate deep into every fiber of the chicken breasts, infusing them with an unparalleled depth of flavor. For the ultimate aromatic experience, I exclusively use fresh herbs in the marinade. Their bright, earthy notes far surpass those of dried alternatives, creating a truly superior taste profile.
While chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe, you can absolutely substitute them with chicken thighs for a richer, juicier result. If using thighs, simply remove any tendons and cut them into uniformly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recipe to your preferred cut of meat.
A crucial tip for maximizing flavor: always opt for fresh lemons for both the marinade and the dressing. Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers a sweeter, brighter, and more nuanced flavor profile compared to the often-tart and less vibrant bottled varieties. For those who enjoy a little heat, consider making the salad dressing spicier by swapping Dijon mustard for a punchy spicy brown mustard. This simple alteration can add an exciting kick to your meal.
Mastering the Keto Chopped Chicken Salad: Low-Carb & Nutritious
Each generous serving of this hearty Keto Chopped Chicken Salad contains approximately six grams of net carbs, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. The majority of these carbs come from the diverse assortment of toppings, which means you have complete control over the carb count. To minimize the net carbs, simply reduce the quantity of certain toppings or select those with lower carbohydrate profiles.
Avocado is a cornerstone of this nutritious salad, providing a generous dose of healthy fats that are essential for satiety and overall well-being on a keto diet. I highly recommend keeping it in the salad due to its creamy texture and nutrient density. However, if you need to further reduce carbs, starting with high-carb toppings like tomatoes is a good strategy. While delicious, tomatoes do contribute more carbs than many other salad vegetables. Other excellent low-carb additions could include bell peppers (in moderation), olives, or various cheeses to enhance flavor and texture without significantly impacting your carb macros.
Perfect Pairings: What to Eat With Chicken Salad
Given that this delectable salad is a complete meal in itself, it also pairs beautifully with lighter, low-carb accompaniments. Since the salad holds a modest carb count, I often suggest serving it alongside a complementary low-carb soup to create a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal.
A bowl of Keto Turmeric Zucchini Soup would be an excellent choice, offering a vibrant color and an earthy flavor profile that wonderfully complements the bright notes of the lemon and herbs in the chicken salad. Alternatively, a rich and comforting Low-Carb Creamy Tomato Bacon Soup would also create a delicious harmony with the zesty and herbaceous flavors of this dish.
For an extra layer of comfort and flavor, consider pairing it with a hearty bowl of Keto Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup. This pairing is particularly harmonious as the soup shares many similar ingredients and flavor profiles with the salad. Enjoying these two dishes together ensures a truly filling and deeply satisfying culinary experience that won’t compromise your low-carb goals. Beyond soups, consider a side of cauliflower rice or a slice of keto-friendly bread to complete your meal.
Streamlined Salad Meal Prep for Busy Lifestyles
This Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is an ideal candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy healthy, delicious meals throughout your busy week without the stress of daily cooking. My absolute favorite method for preparing green salads for meal prep is the convenient and effective mason jar technique, which keeps ingredients fresh and crisp.
To use the mason jar method, begin by adding the dressing to the very bottom of the jar. This ensures the greens don’t get soggy. Next, layer your firmer vegetables and chicken, creating a barrier between the dressing and the lettuce. Finally, place the delicate salad greens on top. This strategic layering keeps everything fresh. Seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, ready for a quick and healthy grab-and-go meal. When you’re ready to eat, simply shake the jar to distribute the dressing and enjoy! Alternatively, you can store the dressing in a separate small container and add it just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
Keto Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Recipe
Here is a detailed guide to the ingredients and simple steps required to create this delicious and easy keto lemon herb chicken salad. For precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: 6 net carbs per serving
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2, cut in half lengthwise)
- Juice from 1 fresh lemon
- Minced garlic (2 tsp)
- Olive oil (3 Tbsp)
- Fresh thyme (1 Tbsp, chopped)
- Fresh rosemary (1 Tbsp, chopped)
- Fresh chives (1 Tbsp, chopped)
- Fresh parsley (1 Tbsp, chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- Mixed salad greens (6 cups)
- Mini cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
- Cucumber (1/2 cup, sliced and then halved)
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced)
- Avocado (1, sliced)
- Prepared grilled chicken (from marinade, sliced)
For the Lemon Herb Dressing:
- Juice from 1 fresh lemon
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp)
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp)
- Minced garlic (1 tsp)
- Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the juice from 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the fresh thyme, rosemary, chives, parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, creating your fragrant marinade.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to deeply infuse the flavors. For best results, you can marinate overnight.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook until it is completely cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This typically takes 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
4. While the chicken rests slightly after grilling, arrange the mixed salad greens into a large serving bowl, creating a fresh base for your salad.
5. Artfully arrange the sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, and the perfectly grilled and sliced chicken over the bed of greens.
6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the lemon herb dressing until emulsified and smooth. Just before serving, generously drizzle this vibrant dressing over the assembled salad to tie all the incredible flavors together.
Don’t forget to Pin this incredible Keto Lemon Herb Chicken Salad recipe for later, so you can easily find it whenever those cravings hit!
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Keto Lemon Herb Chicken Salad
Experience an explosion of flavor with this Keto Lemon Herb Chicken Salad. The vibrant marinade transforms simple chicken into a culinary delight, ensuring you’ll want to savor this low-carb masterpiece every single day.
lunch, Salad, Main Dish
lemon herb chicken salad, keto chicken, low-carb salad, healthy chicken recipe
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken
-
2
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
cut in half lengthwise - Juice from 1 lemon
-
2
tsp
Minced Garlic -
3
tbsp
Olive Oil -
1
tbsp
Fresh Thyme -
1
tbsp
Fresh Rosemary -
1
tbsp
Fresh Chives -
1
tbsp
Fresh Parsley
Salad
-
6
cups
Mixed Salad Greens -
1
cup
Mini Cherry Tomatoes -
1/2
cup
Cucumber
sliced and halved -
1/4
Red Onion
sliced thinly -
1
Avocado
sliced -
Grilled Chicken
sliced (from marinated chicken above)
Lemon Herb Dressing
- Juice from 1 lemon
-
2
tbsp
Olive Oil -
1
tsp
Dijon Mustard -
1
tsp
Minced Garlic -
1/2
tsp
Italian Seasoning -
Salt and Pepper
to taste
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the juice from 1 lemon, 2 tsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, 1 Tbsp fresh chives, 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously to create the aromatic marinade.
Add the chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise, to the marinade. Ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally, overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
While the chicken is cooking or resting, prepare your salad base. Place the 6 cups of mixed salad greens into a large serving bowl.
Artfully arrange the 1/2 cup sliced and halved cucumber, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1 cup halved mini cherry tomatoes, 1 sliced avocado, and the freshly grilled and sliced chicken over the salad greens.
For the dressing, whisk together the juice from 1 lemon, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle generously over the assembled salad just before serving, and enjoy your incredibly flavorful Keto Lemon Herb Chicken Salad!
Recipe Notes
Calories: 339
Net Carbs: 6 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. Factors such as specific brands of ingredients, exact portion sizes, and optional additions or substitutions can alter the actual nutritional content. Therefore, I cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site. Always consult with a qualified health professional for personalized dietary advice.
More Irresistible Keto Salad Recipes to Explore
If you thoroughly enjoyed crafting and savoring this vibrant Keto Lemon Herb Chicken Salad, then you’re in for a treat! Expand your low-carb culinary repertoire with these equally delicious and creatively designed keto salad recipes. Each one offers a unique flavor profile and a satisfying meal option that fits perfectly into your healthy lifestyle.
- Low-Carb Greek Broccoli Salad: A refreshing twist on a classic, packed with Mediterranean flavors and healthy crunch.
- Low-Carb Amish Broccoli Salad: Sweet, savory, and surprisingly low-carb, this creamy salad is a crowd-pleaser.
- Low-Carb Carrot and Radishes Salad: A crisp and vibrant salad offering a delightful peppery kick and earthy sweetness.
- Keto TikTok Baked Salad: Discover the viral sensation with a keto-friendly twist, featuring warm, roasted vegetables.
- Low-Carb Cottage Cheese Salad: A light and protein-packed option, perfect for a quick lunch or side dish.