You know those days when you’re running late, starving, and need something delicious now? Meet my lifesaver—this low carb chicken lettuce salad! I swear, it’s saved me from countless takeout temptations during crazy work weeks. The magic? Pre-cooked chicken strips, that amazing sesame dressing, and those crunchy honey almonds—all thrown together in literally 10 minutes flat. I stash four portions in my fridge every Sunday, and boom—instant lunches that keep me full without the carb coma. Trust me, even my “but salads are boring” husband sneaks extra bites. Let me show you how easy (and addictive) healthy eating can be!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Chicken Lettuce Salad
- 10-minute assembly – Toss prepped ingredients together in a flash
- Meal-prep dream – Makes 4 grab-and-go lunches
- Flavor bomb – Toasted almonds + sesame dressing = impossible to resist
- Keto superstar – Just 5g net carbs per serving
- No sad desk salads – Stays crisp in containers for days
Seriously—this is the only meal my 3pm snack attacks fear!
(80 words)
Ingredients for Low Carb Chicken Lettuce Salad
- 12 oz pre-cooked chicken strips (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
- 9 oz coleslaw mix (shredded green & purple cabbage)
- 1/3 cup toasted honey almonds (sliced, 1.5 oz)
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing (4 tbsp, divided)
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (for garnish)
- 4 meal prep containers (1 cup capacity)
Pro tip: Look for sugar-free dressing to keep it truly low-carb! (70 words)
How to Make Low Carb Chicken Lettuce Salad
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Chop 12 oz of pre-cooked chicken strips into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups). This bite-size ensures perfect texture in every forkful.
Step 2: Portion the Dressing
Divide 1/4 cup sesame dressing equally into 4 small containers (1 tbsp each). This prevents sogginess.
Step 3: Layer the Salad
- Add 1/4 of the coleslaw mix to each container (2.25 oz)
- Top with 1/2 cup chicken and 2 tbsp almonds per serving
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning
Step 4: Store and Serve
Refrigerate components separately for up to 4 days. Toss with dressing just before eating to maintain maximum crunch.
10-Minute Low Carb Chicken Lettuce Salad That Crushes Cravings
A quick and easy low-carb chicken lettuce salad with sesame dressing and almonds.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package seasoned cooked chicken strips
- 1/2 cup sesame dressing
- 1 (9 ounce) package shredded coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup sesame-honey-flavored almonds
Instructions
- Cut chicken strips into bite-size pieces.
- Measure 2 tablespoons dressing into each of 4 small lidded containers and refrigerate.
- Divide coleslaw mix among 4 single-serving lidded containers.
- Top each with one-fourth of the chicken and 2 tablespoons almonds.
- Seal the containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Toss with dressing just before serving.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Dress just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Tips for the Best Low Carb Chicken Lettuce Salad
Here’s how I make this salad sing every time:
- Toast those almonds! A quick 3-minute pan toast makes them extra crunchy and brings out their honey flavor
- Fresh coleslaw mix only – Skip anything that looks wilted or watery in the bag
- Shake dressing containers before adding – sesame oil separates when chilled
- Double the chicken on gym days for extra protein without adding carbs
Oh, and don’t skip the everything bagel seasoning – it’s the secret flavor booster!
Variations for Low Carb Chicken Lettuce Salad
This salad is crazy versatile! Here are my favorite twists:
- Swap chicken: Use leftover grilled chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor
- Add avocado: Toss in chunks right before serving for creamy richness
- Dressing hack: Try sugar-free Asian ginger dressing if you’re watching carbs closely
Sometimes I’ll even throw in shredded kale for extra greens – whatever’s in my fridge!
Serving Suggestions for Low Carb Chicken Lettuce Salad
This salad shines on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it:
- Keto lettuce wraps: Spoon the salad into butter lettuce leaves for crunchy handheld bites
- With cucumber slices: The cool crunch makes the perfect low-carb side
- Over zucchini noodles: Turns it into a hearty noodle bowl in minutes
My lunchbox trick? Pack extra almonds for an afternoon snack!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the beauty of this salad – no reheating needed! Just keep everything sealed tight in your fridge (dressing separate, of course) and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The coleslaw actually gets better as it sits – those flavors really meld together!
Nutritional Information
Each serving packs about 320 calories with just 5g net carbs. Remember: Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients/brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I eat with chicken salad low-carb?
Try pairing with cucumber slices, keto crackers, or wrapped in butter lettuce leaves for a satisfying crunch without the carbs! If you enjoy our recipes, check out our Facebook page for more ideas.
Is chicken salad good for low carbs?
Absolutely! Each serving contains just 5g net carbs, making it perfect for keto and low-carb meal plans.
How long does keto chicken salad last?
Stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 4 days.
What kind of lettuce is the lowest carb?
Romaine and butter lettuce are the best low-carb options for this recipe!
