This mixed berry chicken salad topped with crispy candied pecans is a delicious, keto-friendly lunch that balances sweet and savory in every bite.
Keto Candied Pecans
Once I perfected my keto candied pecans, I found so many tasty ways to use them. They’re crunchy, lightly sweet, and perfectly salty — a great contrast to creamy chicken salad. Pecans also provide healthy fats and fiber, making them an ideal garnish for a low-carb meal.
Sprinkling candied pecans on top of this chicken salad adds texture and makes the dish feel indulgent while keeping it keto-friendly.
This recipe yields four servings, with roughly four grams net carbs per serving.
Chicken Salad with Mixed Berries
This easy chicken salad blends sweet berries with savory chicken and crunchy celery for a bright, satisfying dish. It’s simple to prepare and budget-friendly, using mostly common pantry staples.
Aside from the berries and pecans, the ingredients are inexpensive. You can keep costs down by using canned or leftover roasted chicken.
Low-Carb Chicken Options
This salad is a great way to use leftover roasted chicken, or you can shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken. I often use canned chicken for convenience and shelf stability — it’s economical and easy to work with.
Once mixed, store the chicken salad in the refrigerator for up to three days. Mason jars are handy for meal prep and make it easy to portion lunches.
Keto-Friendly Berries
I used strawberries and blueberries in this recipe because they’re among the lower-carb berries. Raspberries are another good low-carb choice and can be mixed in or swapped for blueberries.
Berries do contain natural sugars, but used in moderate amounts they contribute vitamins, antioxidants, and great flavor to a nutrient-dense salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with a crisp lettuce leaf or can be enjoyed on keto cloud bread as a sandwich. It’s also delicious on its own with a fork for a light meal.
For a complementary side, try a simple strawberry-cucumber salad or a cold keto sweet tea for a refreshing pairing.
Low-Carb Mixed Berry Chicken Salad With Candied Pecans Recipe
Below are the details for preparing this mixed berry chicken salad. The recipe serves four and is quick to make.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–8 minutes
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: Approximately 4 net carbs per serving
Ingredients
- 12 ounces canned chicken, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1/3 cup chopped strawberries
- 1/3 cup chopped blueberries
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated Swerve sweetener (or other granulated keto sweetener)
Directions
- Make the candied pecans: melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat.
- Stir in the granulated sweetener and cook until it melts and becomes slightly caramelized.
- Remove from heat and stir in the pecans until evenly coated.
- Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined or silicone mat baking sheet. Let cool, then break into pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained chicken, chopped celery, red onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and blueberries.
- Serve the chicken salad garnished with the candied pecans.
Notes
Calories: about 245 per serving. Net carbs: approximately 4 net carbs per serving. Nutritional values are estimates and should be used as a guide only.
Keto Chicken Salad Ideas
If you like this mixed berry chicken salad, try other keto chicken salad variations to keep lunches interesting. Different flavor profiles and mix-ins make meal prep more enjoyable.
- Keto Mediterranean Chicken Salad
- Keto Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Low-Carb Taco Chicken Salad
- Keto Sweet and Spicy Canned Chicken Salad
- Keto “Hot Girl Summer” Chicken Salad