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If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal that fits into your keto diet, the Keto Chef Salad is a perfect choice! It’s packed with fresh veggies, delicious protein, and healthy fats, making it super satisfying. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, you’ll love how easy it is to make!
My Personal Experience
This Keto Chef Salad is a lifesaver when I need something quick, healthy, and filling. I love that it’s customizable, so I can add whatever I have in the fridge. I usually go for rotisserie chicken because it saves time, and the feta gives it such a creamy, flavorful kick! Sometimes, I throw in a boiled egg for some extra protein.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You can throw this together in just 10 minutes.
- Versatile: Use whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: It’s packed with healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied.
Meal Prep Friendly: This salad is perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salad Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (like spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (shredded or chopped; rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (or any cheese you like)
- 1/4 cup olives (sliced, optional)
- Dressing:
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or any vinegar you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings:
- Hard-boiled egg
- Bacon bits
- Nuts for extra crunch
Step-by-Step Guide: Bring Your Recipe to Life
- Chop the Veggies
Start by washing and cutting all your veggies. Put the mixed greens in a large salad bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado on top. - Add the Chicken
Toss in your cooked chicken for some protein. If you want, you can also add hard-boiled eggs or crispy bacon for more flavor! - Sprinkle on the Cheese
Crumble the feta cheese over the salad. This adds a nice creaminess and a burst of flavor. - Dress the Salad
Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over everything. Season with salt and pepper. Gently toss the salad to mix everything together and coat it in the dressing. - Serve and Enjoy!
You can eat it right away, or let it chill in the fridge for a bit if you prefer it cold. This salad is great by itself or with some keto-friendly bread on the side.
Essential Equipment You’ll Need for This Recipe
- Large salad bowl: To toss and serve the salad.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping veggies and proteins.
- Measuring spoons: For the dressing ingredients.
Tips for Making the Keto Chef Salad
- Prepping in Advance: Chop the veggies and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the salad when needed.
- Fresh Greens: Use crisp, fresh greens to make the salad more enjoyable. Wash and dry them thoroughly for better texture.
- Customizable Protein: Swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or canned tuna for variety.
- Dressing Boost: Add a pinch of garlic powder or Dijon mustard to the dressing for extra flavor.
- Crunch Factor: If you’re missing croutons, add crushed pork rinds or toasted almonds for a keto-friendly crunch.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Dressing Storage: Keep the dressing in a small jar and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
- Avoid Soggy Greens: Only add dressing when ready to eat to keep the greens fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Swap the chicken with grilled tofu, extra avocado, or a handful of nuts for plant-based protein.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to substitute feta with goat cheese, cheddar, or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Q: What other dressing options work well?
A: Ranch, Caesar, or a creamy avocado dressing are all keto-friendly alternatives.
Q: Is this salad meal-prep friendly?
A: Definitely! Keep the ingredients prepped but separate, and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.
Q: Can I add more veggies?
A: Sure! Bell peppers, zucchini, or radishes are great low-carb additions to this salad.
Q: How can I make it more filling?
A: Add a boiled egg, some crispy bacon, or a handful of nuts for extra protein and fats.Q: Is this recipe dairy-free?
A: To make it dairy-free, skip the feta or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Net Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 25g
The Keto Chef Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (like spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olives (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbs red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hard-boiled egg, bacon bits, or nuts (Optional toppings)
Instructions
- Start by washing and cutting all your veggies. Put the mixed greens in a large salad bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado on top.
- Toss in your cooked chicken for some protein. You can also add hard-boiled eggs or crispy bacon for more flavor!
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad. This adds a nice creaminess and a burst of flavor.
- Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over everything. Season with salt and pepper. Gently toss the salad to mix everything together and coat it in the dressing.
- You can eat it right away, or let it chill in the fridge for a bit if you prefer it cold. This salad is great by itself or with some keto-friendly bread on the side.
The Keto Chef Salad is super flexible—you can use any veggies or proteins you have on hand. It’s colorful, filling, and perfect for meal prep! Enjoy every bite knowing it’s low in carbs and packed with flavor!
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