Easy Keto Chicken Salad with Bacon and Avocado

5 from 8 votes

This keto chicken salad is an easy, high protein recipe you can make in minutes. It's loaded with chicken, avocado, and bacon for a simple meal that works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

keto chicken salad with avocado and bacon mixed together

This is the keto chicken salad I make every week

This is the keto chicken salad I make every week because it's easy, filling, and I usually already have everything I need in the fridge. It's one of those meals I can throw together without thinking, and it actually keeps me full for hours. I'll make a batch and eat it for lunches, quick dinners, or just when I need something fast and don't want to start cooking from scratch.

What I like about this version is that it doesn't feel like typical chicken salad. The avocado and bacon make it more satisfying, and the lemon and herbs keep it from feeling heavy. I'll eat mine in lettuce wraps or a low carb tortilla, and if I'm feeding everyone else, I'll just set out regular bread or wraps so they can make it their way.

Ingredients you'll need

This is a really simple mix of ingredients, and you can adjust it based on what you have on hand.

Cooked chicken - I usually use chicken breasts, but rotisserie chicken works just as well if you want to keep it easy. My Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast is a great option.
Avocado - adds creaminess and healthy fats without needing mayo.
Celery - gives it a little crunch so it's not too soft.
Cooked bacon - this is what makes it feel like an actual meal, not just plain chicken salad.
Dried chives and dill - simple herbs that add flavor without overcomplicating it.
Lemon juice - keeps everything fresh and balances the richness.
Olive oil - brings it all together and adds more healthy fat.
Salt and pepper - adjust to taste.

If you're missing something, don't overthink it. This is one of those recipes that still works even if you tweak it a bit.

How I make this keto chicken salad

Chop the avocado

Chop the chicken

ingredients for keto chicken salad in a bowl

Combine everything

Serve

I add everything to a large bowl and toss it together until it's well combined. That's it. If your chicken is already cooked, this comes together in just a few minutes.

I like to chop everything into bite-sized pieces so you get a little bit of everything in each bite. Once it's mixed, I'll taste it and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. You can eat it right away, but I think it's even better after it sits in the fridge for a bit and the flavors come together.

How I serve it (low carb and family options)

I usually keep it simple and eat this in lettuce wraps or a low carb tortilla, depending on what I have on hand. It's also really good just on its own if I want something quick without putting anything together.

If I'm feeding my family, I'll just set it out with regular tortillas or bread so everyone can make it how they want. It's an easy way to keep one meal but not feel like you're cooking something separate.

What makes this one so filling

This one actually keeps you full because it's not just lean protein on its own. You've got the chicken for protein, but then the avocado, olive oil, and bacon add enough fat to make it satisfying and keep you from getting hungry again an hour later.

It's also the kind of meal that's easy to eat without overthinking it. You're not picking at something light and then going back for snacks. It's simple, balanced, and filling enough that you can eat it and move on with your day without constantly thinking about food.

Easy ways to change it up

This is one of those recipes you can adjust based on what you have or what you're in the mood for. If you prefer a more traditional chicken salad, you can swap some or all of the olive oil for mayo. You can also add things like green onion, a little garlic, or even some chopped pickles for extra flavor.

If you want more crunch, add extra celery or even some chopped nuts. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce works well. You can also switch up the herbs depending on what you have. This is a really flexible recipe, so don't feel like you have to follow it exactly every time.

How I store it for the week

Because this has avocado in it, it's best eaten the same day or within about a day while it's still fresh. The lemon juice helps slow down browning, but the avocado will start to soften and change texture the longer it sits.

If I'm making this ahead, I'll sometimes mix everything except the avocado and add it in right before eating. You can also press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and store it in an airtight container to help keep it fresher a little longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but since it has avocado, it's best within a day. If you want to prep it ahead, mix everything except the avocado and add that right before serving.

What can I use instead of mayo?

This version uses avocado and olive oil, but you can swap in mayo if you prefer a more traditional texture.

How long does this keto chicken salad last in the fridge?

Because of the avocado, it's best eaten within 24 hours before the texture starts to change.

What's the best way to serve it?

Lettuce wraps and low carb tortillas are the easiest options, but you can also serve it on its own or with regular bread for family members.

More easy chicken recipes

Egg salad and tuna salad are just as easy to throw together and work really well for quick lunches or meal prep.
Curry chicken salad is a good option if you want something similar with a little more flavor.
Air fryer chicken thighs are one of the easiest high-protein meals and come out juicy every time.
Baked chicken tenders are another simple option you can use here and work well for meal prep.
Shredded chicken is great to keep on hand for recipes like this, especially if you want to keep things quick.