This keto curry chicken salad recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic chicken salad, combining creamy texture with a satisfying crunch and a unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors. It's incredibly easy to make, perfect for using leftover chicken, and can be prepped in advance for a quick and healthy lunch or light dinner. Whether you're following a keto or low-carb diet, or simply looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Twist: The combination of curry powder, turmeric, and a touch of sweetener creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional chicken salad.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and simple steps, this recipe comes together quickly, especially when using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Keto and Low-Carb Friendly: This recipe is low in net carbs and contains no added sugar, making it a perfect choice for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
- Versatile: Enjoy it in lettuce wraps, low-carb tortillas, or with keto-friendly crackers for a variety of serving options.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or snacks.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Cooked Chicken: 1 ½ cups of shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken (organic, free-range, and free of hormones is recommended, with no added sugar or simple seasonings). Dark meat is more keto-friendly due to its higher fat content, but chicken breasts can also be used.
- Mayonnaise: Choose a brand with no added sugar, such as Hellmann's or Sir Kensington's. Avocado oil mayonnaise is also a great option.
- Celery: ¼ cup, chopped, for added crunch and freshness.
- Almonds: Toasted, slivered almonds for a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Sweetener: Powdered Swerve Confectioners or another keto-friendly sweetener like powdered erythritol.
- Curry Powder: 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons, depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for a tangy flavor. Lemon juice can also be used.
- Spices: Turmeric and cumin to enhance the curry flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional: Cayenne pepper for a little heat, sliced green onions, cilantro.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Celery: Shred or chop the rotisserie chicken into small chunks, and chop the celery.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon or lime juice, powdered sweetener, curry powder, turmeric, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, slivered almonds, and chopped celery.
- Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
- Chill (Optional): Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for the Best Keto Curry Chicken Salad
- Chicken Quality: Opt for high-quality, organic, pasture-raised chicken whenever possible. Avoid rotisserie chickens that are pumped full of preservatives and chemicals.
- Toast the Almonds: Toasting the slivered almonds enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Adjust Spiciness: Start with 1 ½ teaspoons of curry powder and add more to taste, depending on your preference.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking.
- Make it Ahead: This salad tastes even better after it has had time to chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Don't Freeze: Freezing is not recommended due to potential quality deterioration.
Serving Suggestions
- Lettuce Wraps: A light and crisp way to enjoy this chicken salad.
- Low-Carb Tortillas: Warm the tortilla in a skillet for a few seconds on each side to make it easier to roll and enhance the flavor.
- Keto-Friendly Crackers: A convenient option for a quick snack or appetizer.
- Cucumber Slices: A refreshing and low-carb alternative to crackers.
- Sandwich: Serve it as a traditional chicken salad sandwich on your favorite keto bread.
Variations and Additions
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness and flavor.
- Sweet and Savory: Include golden raisins, currants, dried cranberries, or sliced red grapes.
- Nut-Free: Replace the almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Egg-Free: Use vegan or plant-based mayonnaise.
- Macro-Friendly: Replace half of the mayonnaise with low-fat or nonfat plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this keto curry chicken salad contains approximately 1.5 grams of net carbs. However, it's always best to calculate your own nutritional information based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover keto curry chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Curry Powder: A Spice Blend with Benefits
Curry powder is a blend of various spices, typically including turmeric, chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground ginger, and pepper. Some blends may also contain fenugreek, paprika, cinnamon, and cardamom. The turmeric in curry powder contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant with numerous health benefits. While the carbs in curry powder are relatively low (approximately 1.2 grams of net carbs per teaspoon), it adds a significant amount of flavor and potential health benefits to this dish.
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