This keto chipotle lime chicken salad offers a fresh twist on traditional chicken salad. It’s creamy, crunchy, and carries a pleasant spicy kick.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, this keto chipotle lime chicken salad is an excellent choice. The spice level is easy to adjust to taste, and at about 1 net gram of carbs per serving, it’s perfect for regular low-carb meals. Serve it chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!
Ingredients and protein choices
For the chicken, I prefer boiling a whole bird and using a mix of white and dark meat for extra flavor, but boneless skinless chicken breasts work well if you want all white meat. A rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. The salad includes diced celery, red pepper, and onion—just enough to add color, crunch, and flavor while keeping carbs low.
Dressing: flavor profile and tips
The dressing blends keto mayonnaise and sour cream for a rich, creamy base, brightened with fresh lime juice. For heat and smoky flavor, add chipotle peppers in adobo—I use two and recommend starting with one and tasting before adding more. Dijon mustard adds subtle tang; yellow or spicy brown mustard are fine alternatives. Fresh cilantro brings brightness and color. A touch of brown sugar substitute balances the acidity and spice, and salt and pepper finish the dressing—adjust to taste.
Serving suggestions
This salad is versatile and keto-friendly. Enjoy it on its own from a bowl, use it as a dip for raw vegetables or keto crackers, or pair it with pork rinds or cheese crisps. Serve it over a bed of lettuce or spinach with your favorite low-carb toppings, or pair it with a warm bowl of keto soup for a satisfying meal. If you prefer a sandwich, use your favorite keto bread, biscuits, or low-carb English muffins.
Keto soup pairings
This chicken salad pairs well with creamy, low-carb soups such as cauliflower or roasted tomato-based soups, and broccoli-cheese soup for a comforting combination.
Helpful hints
You can serve this salad immediately or store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. The heat tends to intensify as the salad sits, so adjust chipotle peppers to your preferred spice level.
Main kitchen equipment and utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
Splash of Encouragement:
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Keto Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad
8 Servings
20 minutes
20 minutes
This recipe is a flavorful, low-carb alternative to traditional chicken salad—creamy with a smoky, citrusy kick.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked and chopped chicken
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced red pepper
- 3 tablespoons diced onion
- ⅓ cup keto mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 chipotle peppers, chopped in sauce (about 2 tablespoons) — adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute (Swerve) or preferred sweetener
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, red pepper, and onion. Stir and set aside.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers, Dijon mustard, cilantro, sweetener, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning or heat as desired.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
FYI: The salad may become spicier as it rests, so consider that when adjusting chipotle peppers.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Servings
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 268
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 72mg
Sodium: 259mg
Carbohydrates: 1.5g
Net Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 25g
Nutrition values are estimates provided as a courtesy. Actual values vary based on ingredients and brands used. Net carbs reflect total carbs minus fiber and sugar alcohols where applicable.