Protein-Packed Carnivore Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful, creamy dish that combines the rich flavors of canned chicken, crispy bacon, and shredded cheese. Perfect for a quick meal or as part of your meal prep, this salad fits well into low-carb and keto lifestyles. Its simplicity and flavor make it an ideal choice for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 10 minutes to make, making it great for busy days.
- High in Protein: Packed with protein from chicken and cheese, this salad helps keep you satisfied longer.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own, in lettuce wraps, or as a filling for sandwiches.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream elevates the taste profile.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust seasonings or add veggies according to your preference.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Carnivore Chicken Salad, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some essential tools you will need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space to combine all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like bacon.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures easy cutting of ingredients and enhances efficiency in preparation.
- Spoon: A good mixing spoon helps in evenly blending all components together.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
- 1 tbsp Parsley or dill for garnishing (optional)
- 4 sliced Bacon
- 1.5 oz Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- Garlic to taste
- 1 can Canned Chicken
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Sour Cream
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
How to Make Carnivore Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Open and drain the canned chicken.
- Transfer the chicken to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix in Creamy Ingredients
- Add mayonnaise and sour cream to the bowl.
- Sprinkle in your desired seasonings such as garlic and black pepper.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Mix the chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasonings thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4: Add Bacon & Cheese
- Chop the bacon into pieces.
- Add the chopped bacon and shredded cheese to the bowl.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing twist! Enjoy this flavorful Carnivore Chicken Salad that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
How to Serve Carnivore Chicken Salad Recipe
This Protein-Packed Carnivore Chicken Salad is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with various serving suggestions. Here’s how you can serve it for a delightful meal.
On a Bed of Greens
- Use a mix of leafy greens like spinach or romaine to create a fresh base for the salad.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the chicken salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, crunchy alternative.
With Avocado Slices
- Serve alongside slices of ripe avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats.
As a Stuffed Tomato
- Hollow out medium-sized tomatoes and fill them with the chicken salad for a charming presentation.
In a Sandwich
- Spread the chicken salad between slices of your favorite low-carb bread or keto-friendly wraps.
How to Perfect Carnivore Chicken Salad Recipe
Creating the perfect Carnivore Chicken Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use quality canned chicken: Opt for premium canned chicken to ensure great taste and texture in your salad.
- Experiment with seasonings: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes can deepen the flavors.
- Customize toppings: Consider adding diced bell peppers or celery for added crunch and freshness.
- Adjust creaminess: Play around with the mayo and sour cream ratios to find your perfect creamy balance.
Best Side Dishes for Carnivore Chicken Salad Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Carnivore Chicken Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cucumber Slices: Light and refreshing, they add a nice crunch and contrast to the creamy salad.
- Celery Sticks: Crisp celery sticks are perfect for scooping up any leftover chicken salad.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses complements the flavors beautifully; try cheddar or gouda.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers make a warm side dish option.
- Olives: A small bowl of olives provides briny bites that enhance the overall taste experience.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Sliced hard-boiled eggs add protein and can be an easy side dish alongside your salad.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles cut through the richness of the salad, offering a delightful contrast in flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Carnivore Chicken Salad Recipe turns out perfectly, here are some common pitfalls to watch for.
- Using dry chicken: Canned chicken can dry out if not mixed well with dressings. Make sure to combine it thoroughly with mayonnaise and sour cream for a creamy texture.
- Over-seasoning: Adding too many spices can overwhelm the salad’s flavor. Start with a little seasoning and adjust to taste as you mix.
- Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the salad to chill can affect the flavors. Letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the taste.
- Not garnishing: Garnishing with parsley or dill adds a fresh touch that elevates your dish. Don’t skip this step for an appealing presentation.
- Ignoring leftovers: Leaving the salad out too long can spoil it. Store any leftovers immediately in an airtight container.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Carnivore Chicken Salad in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Carnivore Chicken Salad Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise and sour cream, which can separate when thawed.
Reheating Carnivore Chicken Salad Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the salad in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through. Stir between intervals for even heating.
- Stovetop: Gently heat over low heat while stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Carnivore Chicken Salad Recipe.
What makes this a carnivore chicken salad recipe?
This recipe focuses on high-protein ingredients like canned chicken, cheese, and bacon alternatives, making it ideal for those looking for meat-based meals.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes! You can use cooked shredded chicken instead of canned chicken if you prefer fresh meat.
How do I make this a low-carb chicken salad recipe?
Stick to low-carb ingredients like mayonnaise and use cheese as your main source of fat while avoiding added sugars or carb-heavy components.
What are some variations I can try?
You can customize your Carnivore Chicken Salad by adding different cheeses, herbs, or even substituting turkey or beef for chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
The Carnivore Chicken Salad Recipe is both delicious and versatile. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a satisfying dish you’ll love. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste!
Protein-Packed Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 2 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic dish with this Protein-Packed Chicken Salad Recipe. This creamy, savory salad brings together tender canned chicken, rich cheddar cheese, and a velvety blend of mayonnaise and sour cream for a mouthwatering flavor experience. Perfect for busy days, it takes just minutes to prepare and is versatile enough to enjoy on its own, in lettuce wraps, or even as a filling for sandwiches. With its high protein content and customizable ingredients, this salad fits seamlessly into low-carb or keto lifestyles while being an ideal option for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this chicken salad will become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 can Canned Chicken
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp Sour Cream
- 1.5 oz Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- Garlic to taste
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Optional garnishes: Parsley or dill
Instructions
- Open the canned chicken, drain it well, and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add mayonnaise and sour cream to the bowl along with any desired seasonings such as garlic and black pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Chop the bacon alternative (like crispy chicken skin or turkey bacon) into pieces and fold it into the salad along with the shredded cheese.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate before serving for enhanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
