Carnivore Chicken Salad
This Carnivore Chicken Salad is a simple, delicious, and hearty meal that’s perfect for anyone on a carnivore or keto diet. Made with juicy chicken, creamy mayonnaise, and a few additional carnivore-friendly ingredients, it’s a protein-packed dish that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, preferably from roasted or grilled chicken)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably homemade or sugar-free)
- 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
- 2 oz cheddar cheese, diced or shredded (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional, for added protein)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for extra fat and richness)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as parsley or chives)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken. You can use any method you prefer: roasted, grilled, or boiled. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. For the best texture, you want the chicken to be juicy, so opt for thighs or breasts with a little fat on them.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream (if using). The sour cream adds a little more richness and creaminess, but it’s optional depending on your preferences. Stir in the Dijon mustard for a subtle tanginess. You can skip this step if you prefer a simpler salad. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked chicken to the dressing mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together, making sure the chicken is well-coated with the creamy dressing. If you’d like to add more flavor, stir in diced or shredded cheddar cheese and chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
- Add Fat: To ensure the salad is rich and satisfying, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter. This step is optional, but it increases the fat content, which is essential for staying full on a carnivore diet.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the salad a final taste test. You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your taste preferences. If the dressing feels too thick, you can loosen it up with a little more olive oil or a splash of water or chicken broth.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken salad to serving plates. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added touch of color and flavor, though this is optional and can be skipped for a purely carnivore-friendly dish.
Storage:
This Carnivore Chicken Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. Simply store it in an airtight container for easy access throughout the week.
Variations:
While the recipe is designed to be carnivore-friendly, feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your specific preferences. You could add in bacon for extra crunch or switch up the cheeses for a different flavor profile. This salad is highly customizable, so get creative based on what you have available.
Enjoy this hearty, creamy Carnivore Chicken Salad as a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner!