You might think you know chicken salad, but you have never tried it like this! Open your eyes to a brand new low-carb flavor with this deliciously easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad!

Plate full of lemon basil chicken salad with lettuce and lemon slices and a bowl of sliced almonds in background

Chicken salad is an icon and for good reason. It is simple, affordable, and loaded with satisfying chicken flavor.

But even icons deserve an upgrade once in a while and that is why you need to try this amazing Lemon Basil Chicken Salad. It is the decadent and delicious modern take on a chicken salad you have always wanted.

This luscious, creamy salad is loaded with surprising and sensational flavors, like pesto and almonds.

Every bite of this yummy chicken salad brings something new and delicious for you to experience. It is like no other chicken salad in terms of flavor, texture, and all-around ease!

With only a handful of affordable ingredients, this quick and easy recipe can whip up something that will really fill you up.

It’s a delightful, guilt-free recipe, with only 1 net carb per serving, and it makes the perfect meal for workplace lunches, festive gatherings, or lazy weekends!

If you are looking for other low carb recipe ideas, here are a few to check out.

Small bowls filled with the ingredients used to make lemon basil chicken salad

Ingredients You Need for Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Can of Chicken: Canned chicken is the easiest and most economical way to bring chicken flavor to this dish. Choose a brand of canned chicken you trust and look out for high-sodium products or cans with unnecessary additives. Always remember to drain the canned chicken very well before using it.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is the heart of this recipe. It brings a bright, acidic note that balances the creamy mayo and herbaceous pesto to create true flavor harmony! Try squeezing the lemon with the cut side against your palm. This technique helps keep the seeds and pulp in the lemon and out of your bowl!

Mayonnaise: Rich, creamy mayonnaise has the flavor and texture to hold this salad together. Mayo acts as a tasty binder in this cold salad, so choose your favorite brand to bring it all together.

Pesto Sauce: The balanced nutty and basil-infused flavor of pesto is the ideal match for the bright citrus flavor of lemons. These two elements complement each other perfectly in this cold salad and together they highlight the savory meaty flavor of the chicken.

Fresh Basil: Freshly chopped basil brings an elegant aroma and freshness to the recipe that cuts through the creamy, zesty flavors. Plus, the aroma of basil is sure to get your mouth watering!

Almonds: Sliced almonds add a bit of low-carb crunch and sweet nuttiness that you will love!

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings tie everything together. Remember to taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

In a mixing bowl, stir together all the ingredients.
Chill or serve the salad immediately.

Expert Tips

One great way to elevate this chicken salad is by using freshly shredded chicken instead of canned. Use leftover shredded chicken to mix things up. Just be sure to choose a mildly seasoned chicken so it doesn’t overpower the spices in this recipe, and if the chicken has skin, leave it out.

If you are sensitive to eggs, don’t worry! Simply, trade the traditional mayonnaise for an egg-free substitute, like low-carb veganaise.

Don’t let a nut allergy keep you from this recipe. Replace the almonds with sunflower seeds for a tasty nut-free crunch.

If you are making this for your weekly meals, instead of your usual mixing bowl stir this salad together in a large food storage container. Then you can just put the lid on and pop it in the fridge when you’re done mixing.

Side view of plate full of lemon basil chicken salad with lettuce and lemon slices and a bowl of sliced almonds in background

Serving Ideas

The fresh and filling flavor of this Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is so good you will want to grab a fork and dive right in, and that is perfect! However, if you want to dress this delicious salad up a bit, try pairing it with something tasty!

Serve this chicken salad with keto crackers or on your favorite homemade low-carb bread. It is wonderful when enjoyed in lettuce wraps or on top of a baked zucchini boat. This sensational salad is so versatile you really cannot go wrong!

This recipe is ideal for use in your weekly meal prep rotation and it makes a great lunch box snack. You can also serve this cold salad at holiday brunches, bridal showers, and other occasions. Its creamy lemon flavor is something everyone will want to try!

Since it is crucial to freshness and food safety that this salad is kept cold, when you serve it at a party or gathering try placing the serving vessel over ice. This keeps the salad fresh and cold all party long, so you can focus on the party!

Storing Suggestions

Proper storage is crucial to keeping this creamy salad fresh and delicious. To store the salad, carefully cover the container with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

This chicken salad is made to be enjoyed cold, straight out of the fridge. Always check for freshness and give it a little stir before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Good For Lunch?

A: Yes! This awesome keto-friendly salad is perfect for lunch boxes. You will want to keep it cold, though, so be sure to pack it in an insulated lunch box with an ice pack.

Q: Can I Batch This Recipe?

A: Yes! This recipe makes about 4 delicious servings of chicken salad, but if you’re planning a party or just feeding the whole family you can batch the recipe to make double the yummy lemony flavor!

Q: Does Chicken Salad Go Bad?

A: Chicken salad is very perishable and should be stored carefully to keep it fresh; however, when stored correctly this delicious salad stays fresh for up to 4 days. Just remember to always return uneaten salad to the fridge promptly, keep track of the date you made it, and always check it for signs of spoilage before eating.