This cheddar chive keto chicken salad is a tasty and refreshing twist on the classic chicken salad. Tender cooked chicken, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives are bound together in a rich, creamy dressing for a satisfying low-carb meal the whole family will love.
I developed this version to use up leftover chicken and fresh chives, and the results were a delicious change from the usual. The cheddar adds savory depth while the chives give a bright onion-like note. It’s simple to make, adaptable to what you have on hand, and perfect for meal prep or a quick family lunch.
What kind of chicken should I use for this chicken salad?
You can use any cooked chicken you prefer. I used a boiled whole chicken with a mix of white and dark meat, but baked, grilled, or roasted chicken breasts work well if you prefer all white meat. Dark meat from thighs adds extra richness. For a speedy option, rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice.
How do you keep this cheddar chive keto chicken salad keto and low carb?
To keep the salad low carb, use just a small amount of onion for flavor and texture, and rely on low-carb dairy like cheddar and sour cream. Choose a mayonnaise without added sugar or undesirable oils—avocado oil-based mayo is a good option. A brown sugar substitute such as erythritol-based Swerve provides sweetness with no net carbs. Fresh chives and basic seasonings add flavor with minimal carbohydrates. Always check labels to confirm carb counts for the specific brands you use.
How can I serve this cheddar chive keto chicken salad?
This chicken salad is versatile. Serve it in a bowl as a main, spoon it onto keto crackers or cheese crisps, or use pork rinds for a crunchy scoop. It also makes a great topping for lettuce or spinach salads and works well in lettuce wraps. If you prefer a sandwich, pair it with your favorite keto bread or homemade keto biscuits or English muffins. It’s also excellent served chilled or at room temperature.
More keto chicken salad ideas
If you enjoy this recipe, other flavorful keto chicken salads to try include BLT-style chicken salad, buffalo chicken salad, Mexican-inspired chicken salad, and a classic family-style chicken salad.
Helpful Hints:
* Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing, but bottled lemon juice can be used if needed.
* The salad can be served immediately or made a day or two in advance and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Main Kitchen Equipment and Utensils:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Splash of Encouragement:
***For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7***
Cheddar Chive Keto Chicken Salad
8 Servings
20 minutes
20 minutes
This cheddar chive keto chicken salad is a flavorful, low-carb variation of classic chicken salad that’s easy to make and perfect for meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked and diced chicken
- 2 tablespoons diced celery
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup keto mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute (Swerve)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, celery, onion, and shredded cheddar. Stir to mix.
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, brown sugar substitute, chives, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 305Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 277mgCarbohydrates: 0.7gNet Carbohydrates: 0.6gFiber: 0.1gProtein: 27g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary with brands and ingredient choices. Net carbs may exclude sugar alcohols where applicable.