Whole30 Chicken Salad {Keto and Paleo Chicken Salad}
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!
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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 printable 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.
But if you’re in a time pinch, feel free to use an organic/compliant storebought rotisserie chicken.
Paleo Chicken Salad Without Mayo
Mayo and I are not friends. I much prefer this Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt, 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)!
Is Canned Chicken Whole30 Approved?
It would depend on the brand. You’ll want to find one free of banned Whole30 additives. The Wild Plant brand of canned chicken is Whole30 approved as well as Valley Fresh Organic Chicken.
What Sides Go Well With Chicken Salad?
While some people prefer their paleo chicken salad over a bed of greens or in romaine spears, I love to add a scoop to halved avocado. I think it is a great balance of protein and healthy fats. And um, it’s delicious.
To make it Whole30 compliant, you would also need additional veggies to meet the meal template requirements. Serve with cut-up veggies or a salad paired with Crunchy Salad Toppers and your favorite dressing.
How Long Will Keto Chicken Salad Last?
Your awesome chicken salad will keep for up to five days in the fridge. Store in an airtight glass container or even mason jars for freshness.
Pro Tips/Recipes Notes
- Add halved grapes or diced apples to transform it into a paleo Waldorf salad.
- Toast the almonds for a deeper flavor.
- If you’re not an almond fan, replace with walnuts or pecans.
- Don’t want to make your own compliant mayo? Primal Kitchen, Sir Kensington’s, and Chosen Foods are all Whole30/paleo compliant mayo brands.
More Simple Whole30 Recipes You’ll Love
- Crispy Ranch Air Fryer Potatoes
- Greek Turkey Meatballs
- Pesto Chicken and Cauliflower
- Instant Pot Paleo Beef and Broccoli
- Whole30 Orange Chicken
Making this recipe or others?
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Filling and so delicious, you're going to love this Whole30 Chicken Salad! This paleo and keto chicken salad recipe also has a mayo-free option!
- 2 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
- 1/2 cup celery
- 1/4 cup almonds (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
Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well.
Store in the fridge for an hour prior to serving.
Add halved grapes or diced apples to transform it into a paleo Waldorf salad.
Chicken salad will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
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