Easy Keto Chicken Salad with Pesto Sauce Recipe (Whole30)
Make your next salad tasty and low-carb with this delicious Easy Keto Chicken Salad with Pesto Sauce Recipe (without keto pasta)! This salad is a great way to stick to your keto diet while enjoying a delicious meal. Try it today and see why it’s a hit among keto eaters!
Ultra-easy keto pesto chicken salad recipe, made with loads of flavor, goodness, and pesto sauce. This easy-peasy delicious pesto chicken salad is full of flavor, nutrients, and vitamins! Perfect for basil pesto fans like me.
Only 7g net carbs per portion.
Watch how I make this in minutes! It’s like we’re cooking side-by-side in my kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 6.55 oz Chicken breast (you can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken instead)
- 1/2 cup Homemade Pesto sauce (make your own pesto sauce. It tastes much better)
- 2 cups Iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup Spring onions
- 1 cup Bell Peppers
- 1 cup Cucumbers
- 1 cup Tomatoes (cherry tomatoes are best)
You can check my keto pesto recipe here!
Instructions
Chicken Pesto Recipe
- Preheat a frying pan and add the olive oil.
- Add the chicken breasts and fry it for 2 to 3 minutes, until it’s slightly white.
- Add the fresh pesto sauce and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked – 5 to 7 minutes.
- Leave on the side.
Keto Salad Recipe
- Rinse the vegetables in cold water.
- Cut all the rest of the ingredients – lettuce leaves, peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, spring onions.
- Arrange them in a large bowl as per your desire.
- Optional: you can add salt, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar if desired.
Assembly of the Keto Chicken Pesto Salad
- Arrange the pesto chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Decorate with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!
Tips for Best Results
- You can use any lettuce you like.
- You can use brown or white onions instead of spring onions, but the carbs will increase.
- I’m using red peppers. You can use green peppers if you want to reduce the carbs.
- You can use the chicken pesto with any other vegetables to create your own salad recipe. Or, why not cut some cauliflower and broccoli, and roast them in the oven?
- You can add any fresh herbs you like.
Pair this fresh chicken pesto salad with Keto Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Cottage Cheese Bread for a balanced, protein-packed meal!
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto sauce?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought pesto sauce. Just make sure to check the ingredients list for any non-keto-friendly items.
Q: How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: For meal prep, you can cook the chicken and prepare the salad ingredients in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Q: What can I use instead of pine nuts in the pesto sauce?
A: You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds in your pesto sauce.
Q: Can I add lemon juice to the salad?
A: Yes, a splash of lemon juice can add a refreshing tang to your salad.
Q: Is parmesan cheese necessary for the pesto sauce?
A: Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor to the pesto sauce, but you can skip it if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Q: How can I serve this salad in a different way?
A: You can serve this salad in lettuce wraps or low carb tortillas for a fun twist.
Q: Can I use mozzarella cheese instead of parmesan?
A: Yes, fresh mozzarella can be a great substitute for parmesan cheese in this recipe.
Q: What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy this salad?
A: I love enjoying this salad as a quick meal or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, this is one of my favorite easy keto meal recipes for meal prep. It stays fresh and delicious.
Q: How do I ensure the chicken is juicy?
A: Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s juicy and fully cooked.
Q: Can I use an air fryer to cook the chicken?
A: Yes, you can use an air fryer to cook the chicken. It’s a quick and easy method.
Q: What makes this the ultimate chicken salad?
A: The combination of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful pesto sauce makes this the ultimate chicken salad.
Q: Can I add broccoli florets to the salad?
A: Yes, adding broccoli florets can give the salad extra crunch and nutrients.
Q: Can I add creamy mayo to the salad?
A: Yes, adding a bit of creamy mayo can enhance the texture and flavor of the salad.
Q: Can I use low carb tortillas instead of lettuce?
A: Yes, low carb tortillas are a great option for wrapping this salad.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for the whole family?
A: Yes, this recipe is a great option for the whole family to enjoy.
Q: How do I check the internal temperature of the chicken?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Q: How can I make this a quick meal?
A: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a quick meal.
Q: What type of salad greens should I use?
A: You can use any salad greens you like, such as iceberg lettuce or mixed greens.
Q: Can I use red onion instead of spring onions?
A: Yes, red onion can be used, but it will add more carbs to the salad.
Q: Can I use avocado oil instead of olive oil?
A: Yes, avocado oil is a great alternative to olive oil.
Q: How should I store the salad?
A: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option.
Q: Are there any other great options for serving this salad?
A: Yes, you can serve this salad in lettuce wraps, low-carb tortillas, or as a side dish.
Q: Can I add nutritional yeast to the salad?
A: Yes, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
More Keto Recipes To Try
Keto Dinner Recipes
- One Skillet Keto Chicken Liver and Onion Recipe
- Keto Mediterranean Cod With Walnut Crust
- Keto Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Recipe
- 2 Ingredients Keto Cottage Cheese Chia Seeds Wraps
- 2-Ingredient Keto Pesto Chicken Bake
- Pepperoni Low Carb Pizza with Pesto Sauce
More Keto Salad Recipes
Keto Chicken Salad with Pesto Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil Extra virgin
- 6.55 oz Chicken breast
- 1/2 cup Pesto sauce
- 2 cups Iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup green onions
- 1 cup bell pepper
- 1 cup Cucumber
- 1 cup tomatoes
Instructions
Chicken Pesto Recipe
- Preheat a frying pan and add the olive oil.
- Add the chicken breasts and fry it for 2 to 3 minutes, until it’s slightly white.
- Add the fresh pesto sauce and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked – 5 to 7 minutes.
- Leave on the side.
Keto Salad Recipe
- Rinse the vegetables in cold water.
- Cut all the rest of the ingredients – lettuce leaves, peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, spring onions.
- Arrange them in a large bowl as per your desire.
- Optional: you can add salt, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar if desired.
Assembly of the Keto Chicken Pesto Salad
- Arrange the pesto chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Decorate with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!
Great recipe 👌