High-Protein Chicken Salad
Creamy, crunchy chicken salad with tart cranberries and toasted pecans — high-protein, low-carb, and ready in 15 minutes
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This high-protein chicken salad combines shredded chicken with crisp celery, toasted pecans, and a touch of cranberry for sweet-tart balance. A light, creamy dressing keeps it low-carb and sugar-free while delivering 30 g of protein and only 6 g net carbs per serving.
No cooking required if you use pre-cooked chicken, completely sugar-free, and perfect for quick lunches, sandwiches, or lettuce wraps.
Prep
15 min
Cook
0 min
Servings
4
Protein
30g
Net Carbs
6g
Calories
290
Why you’ll love this chicken salad
- 30g protein per serving — a complete high-protein meal
- Only 6g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- Crunchy pecans + tart cranberries for great texture and flavor
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- No cooking required with pre-cooked chicken
- Excellent for meal prep and sandwiches or lettuce wraps
Health notes
- High protein: Shredded chicken is the main protein source.
- Low carb: Celery, pecans, and a controlled amount of cranberries keep net carbs low.
- Sugar-free: Use sugar-free dried cranberries or fresh cranberries with a zero-carb sweetener.
- Healthy fats: Pecans and a light mayo or Greek yogurt dressing add satisfying fats.
Key element — toast the pecans
A quick toast in a dry skillet brings out the nutty flavor and improves the crunch. It only takes 2–3 minutes and makes a noticeable difference.
New High Protein Recipes
High-Protein Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Instructions
- : Toast the pecans (optional but recommended). Place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool. 2. Make the dressing. In a large bowl whisk together the mayonnaise (or mayo + Greek yogurt), Dijon if using, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs until smooth. 3. Combine. Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, toasted pecans, cranberries, and optional red onion to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. 4. Taste and adjust. Taste and add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or a touch of sweetener if needed. For best flavor, chill 10–15 minutes before serving (optional). 5. Serve. Spoon into lettuce cups, low-carb wraps, or serve over greens. Garnish with a few extra pecans or cranberries if desired.
Notes & Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to keep prep under 15 minutes.
- Toast the pecans for better flavor and crunch.
- A mix of mayo and Greek yogurt lightens the dressing while boosting protein.
- Chill briefly before serving so the flavors meld.
- This salad keeps well and is excellent for meal-prep lunches.
- Nutrition: NutrientPer serving
- Nutrition: Calories290
- Nutrition: Protein30g
- Nutrition: Net carbohydrates6g
- Nutrition: Total carbohydrates9g
- Nutrition: Fiber3g
- Nutrition: Total fat16g
- Nutrition: Sodium420mg
- Nutrition: Estimates based on cooked chicken breast, mayo-Greek yogurt dressing, and sugar-free dried cranberries. Exact numbers vary with cranberry amount and dressing ratio.
- Nutrition: Classic style:
- Nutrition: Skip the cranberries and pecans for a simple celery-and-onion chicken salad.
- Nutrition: Apple version:
- Nutrition: Swap cranberries for finely diced apple (adjust carbs) and keep the pecans.
- Nutrition: Curry twist:
- Nutrition: Add ½–1 tsp curry powder to the dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Nutrition: Extra crunch:
- Nutrition: Add diced cucumber or extra celery for more texture.
Variations & serving ideas
- Lettuce cups, low-carb wraps, or celery sticks
- Extra pecans or cranberries for garnish
- Turkey: Use leftover turkey instead of chicken.
- Nut-free: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or omit.
- Higher protein: Use more Greek yogurt in the dressing and less mayo.
- Fresher cranberries: Use chopped fresh cranberries with a bit of sugar-free sweetener.
Storage
- MethodTimeNotes
- RefrigeratorUp to 4 daysStore in an airtight container
- Meal prepUp to 4 daysPerfect for grab-and-go lunches
- FreezerNot recommendedTexture of the dressing and celery changes when frozen
Frequently asked questions
1. Protein per serving?
30 grams 18 grams 22 grams 12 grams
2. Net carbs per serving?
12g 6g 9g 15g
3. Why toast the pecans?
It is required for safety It improves flavor and crunch It reduces the carbs It is not recommended
4. About how long does this take?
45 minutes About 15 minutes 1 hour 30 minutes of cooking
5. Best way to serve it?
Hot from the stove In lettuce cups, low-carb wraps, or over greens Frozen solid Over high-carb bread only Try again
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