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Filling and so delicious, you’re going to flip over this Whole30 Chicken Salad! Creamy and crunchy, you’ll love it served on a bed of greens or scooped into an avocado. This paleo and keto chicken salad recipe also has a mayo-free option!
Chicken salad is one of those speedy meal ideas that come together quickly but tastes like you spent hours making it. And if you’re following a Whole30, paleo, or even keto meal plan, this healthy chicken salad will become a mealtime staple.
Since everyone has different preferences when it comes to chicken salad, think of this recipe as the perfect base for you to adapt it to make it yours. And yes, I have included mayo-free options!
Need help getting started with the Whole30? You’ll love my free Trader Joe’s Whole30 shopping list and my Whole30 Costco shopping list.
Whole30 Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Cooked chicken (I use the cooking instructions from these Pressure Cooker Chicken Tacos)
- Whole30 Mayo (see below if you’re a mayo hater like me)
- Crunch crew – diced celery and chopped almonds
- Flavor squad – green onions, dried tarragon, and the magical pixie dust known as smoked paprika.
I always cook more chicken than needed when I’m doing my easy healthy meal prep. Save any leftover chicken for Buffalo Chicken Fries, these Whole30 Chicken Recipes, or Paleo Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
You can also use our Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Without Breading for the base of this recipe. They’re fast and so easy to make!
Paleo Chicken Salad Without Mayo
Mayo and I are not friends. I much prefer this Chicken Salad With Dill, but of course, Greek yogurt is not allowed on Whole30.
I’ve happily replaced the mayo in this keto chicken salad with Lemon Tahini Salad Dressing, or Avocado Ranch Dressing and both have been delicious (any mayo-free)!
Pro Tips/Recipes Notes
- If you’re in a time pinch, feel free to use an organic/compliant store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Add halved grapes or diced apples to transform it into a paleo Waldorf salad.
- Throw some Pickled Shallots on top; yum!
- Toast the almonds for a deeper flavor.
- If you’re not a fan of almonds, replace with walnuts or pecans.
More Simple Whole30 Recipes You’ll Love
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS
One serving has 4 WW Freestyle Smart Points (if you are not doing Whole30, sub in plain Greek yogurt for the mayo and the points drop to 1)
Whole30 Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken {chopped or shredded}
- 1/2 cup celery {diced}
- 1/4 cup almonds {roughly chopped}
- 1/4 cup green onions {sliced}
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1/4 tsp tarragon {dried}
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well.
- Store in the fridge for an hour prior to serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I always put Pink Lady apples and/or purple grapes (sometimes green) in our chicken salad. I sometimes put dried cranberries. We really love the crunch of the apples. Chicken salad is da bomb!
Well I’m not Whole 30 nor Keto but chicken salad man? It’s my jam. As I read through the recipe I saw tarragon…whaaaa? Then there was smoked paprika…hmmm. And definitely not enough Mayo for this southern girl. But I decided to trust you Sara and I am glad I did. Full of flavor and healthy! I ate mine over half a home grown tomato. My belly is happy in more ways than one.????
Awww, I’m honored in your trust Myra, and I hope I never let you down!
Looking forward to the time when we have ripe tomatoes. Please enjoy as many as possible for me.