Low Prep Easy Chicken Salad {Healthy & Low Carb Meal}

Quick, healthy chicken salad with rotisserie chicken, celery, apple, parsley, and creamy dressing; perfect for low-carb meals or meal prep!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and ticks all the right boxes when it comes to health. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, a picnic dish, or a light dinner, this Low-Prep Easy Chicken Salad is a recipe you’ll want in your rotation. It’s wholesome, versatile, and comes together with minimal prep time.

This chicken salad is a testament to how a few fresh ingredients can transform into something magical. With juicy rotisserie chicken, crisp celery, sweet apple, and a creamy dressing, it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal prep lineup!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Quick & Easy: With minimal prep work, you can whip up this chicken salad in just 10 minutes. Using rotisserie chicken and a hand chopper makes the process even faster.
Healthy & Low-Carb: This salad is a nutritious choice, packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.
Customizable: Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem! This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your tastes and pantry staples.
Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.

A Breakdown of the Ingredients in This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Rotisserie Chicken: The star of the dish! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and provides tender, flavorful protein. Shredding it with a hand chopper ensures perfect texture.
Celery : Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness to the salad.
Apple: A sweet contrast to the savory chicken, the apple brings a delightful pop of flavor.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish and enhances its visual appeal.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties everything together. You can use regular or light mayo for this recipe.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick and depth of flavor to the dressing.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Additional ideas for toppings and mix-ins

Lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice, red onion, red grapes, green grapes, fresh herbs, green onions, avocado.

How to Make Simple Chicken Salad

Prepare the Chicken: Take your rotisserie chicken and shred it using a fork or a hand chopper. The hand chopper makes the process quicker and gives the chicken an even, fine texture.
Chop the Veggies and Apple: Use the same hand chopper for the celery and apple to save time and ensure uniform pieces.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped apple, chopped celery, chopped parsley, mayo, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Serve or Store: Serve immediately on toast, in lettuce wraps, or on its own. Alternatively, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for later.

prepared chicken salad ready to be served

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Served in pita bread for an easy lunch
As a lettuce wrap when I’m looking for a low-carb meal
On a bed a lettuce
Between slices of bread as a chicken salad sandwich
Scooped with thick slices of bell pepper
Loaded on stalks of crunchy celery
Served over crackers

chicken salad with celery and apples served over whole grain toast

How to Store Leftover Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is a fantastic make-ahead option. Here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing: While not recommended due to the mayo-based dressing, you can freeze the chicken and veggie mixture without the mayo and mustard. Add the dressing after thawing.

easy chicken salad made with rotisserie chicken

Tips for Making My Favorite Chicken Salad Recipe

Use a Hand Chopper: This kitchen tool is a game-changer for shredding chicken and chopping apples. It saves time and ensures uniform pieces.
Adjust the Dressing: Prefer a creamier salad? Add a little more mayo or a splash of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra richness.
Add Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an added crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
Experiment with Herbs: Swap parsley for fresh dill or cilantro to change the flavor profile.
Keep it Low-Carb: Serve the salad in lettuce wraps or enjoy it as-is for a low-carb option.

Looking for More Low Carb Recipe? Check Out These

Purple Cabbage Slaw with Healthy Peanut Dressing

Lemon, Parmesan, & Panko Crusted Cod Filets

Keto Bread

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken provides a richer flavor, canned chicken works as a convenient alternative. Just drain and shred it before use. Pre-cooked chicken is a great way to save time in this recipe.

What can I substitute for mayo?

You can replace mayo with Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier twist without sacrificing creaminess.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. Just double-check your mayo for any hidden dairy ingredients.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or boiled eggs to bulk up the salad for a heartier meal.

What apple variety works best?

Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp complement the salad beautifully, but any apple you enjoy will work.

This Low-Prep Easy Chicken Salad is a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent on the go, or simply someone who appreciates a good meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so satisfying!