This Protein-Packed Carnivore Chicken Salad is a meaty delight full of tasty chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a filling lunch or dinner without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using cooked chicken breast, which you can shred yourself or buy pre-cooked. Rotisserie chicken works great too! For a twist, you could even use turkey if you have leftovers.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a great alternative. Just cook it until it’s nice and crispy for the best texture.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar is perfect for this salad, feel free to swap it for any cheese you love, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. Just make sure it’s shredded for easy mixing!
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: If you want a lighter version, you could use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayo. It adds protein and a nice tang without sacrificing creaminess.
How Do I Combine Everything Easily?
The key to a well-mixed salad is combining the ingredients in stages. This way, everything gets evenly coated, and you avoid big clumps of one thing. Here’s how to do it:
- First, mix the chicken and bacon in a large bowl. This ensures the meat is the centerpiece.
- Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and bacon. A stir here will help distribute the cheese without clumping it up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. This makes it smoother and easier to pour over your salad mixture.
- Finally, pour the dressing over the meat and cheese, stirring gently to coat everything. Add the parsley last, folding it in without mushing it too much.
Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes is a game-changer! It allows all those flavors to meld together, making every bite delicious.
How to Make Protein-Packed Carnivore Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional for color and mild freshness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, you’ll want to chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors blend together. So, total time is about 45 minutes, but most of it is waiting! Easy-peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meats:
Start by shredding the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If you have leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, that’s perfect! Next, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then chop it into smaller pieces. Combine the shredded chicken and bacon in a large mixing bowl. This is where the protein magic begins!
2. Add the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and bacon mixture. Give it a good stir so the cheese is evenly distributed. This adds a nice, cheesy flavor and some creamy texture.
3. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth consistency. This creamy dressing is what pulls everything together and adds loads of flavor!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken, bacon, and cheese mixture. Stir it all together well to ensure every bite is flavorful. Don’t be shy with this step; get everything coated nicely!
5. Add Freshness:
If you’re using parsley, fold it in gently for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. This step is optional, but it does make the salad look even more appetizing!
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This step lets all those delicious flavors mingle together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, your Protein-Packed Carnivore Chicken Salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it cold on its own, or you can use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or low-carb bread alternatives. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day!
FAQ for Protein-Packed Carnivore Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and use it in place of freshly cooked chicken. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers!
How Can I Make This Salad Egg-Free?
This recipe is already egg-free, as it doesn’t use any traditional mayonnaise made with eggs. However, if you’re looking for a vegan option, you could substitute the mayo and sour cream with a vegan mayo or yogurt alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! You can jazz it up by adding chopped celery, bell peppers, or even pickles for added crunch and flavor. Just keep in mind that it will shift the recipe a bit, but it’s a great way to increase the nutrient content!
