Low carb doesn't mean low flavor, and this Low-Carb Chicken Salad with homemade ranch dressing proves just that. The secret to maximizing the flavor in this healthy dish is the well-cooked and seasoned chicken paired with fresh, crisp salad veggies.
Is making your own homemade ranch dressing worth it?
Absolutely! If you have ever wondered why salad dressing at a restaurant tastes so much better than what you buy in a bottle - it's because it's homemade. Even if you begin with a flavoring packet and add buttermilk, mayonnaise, milk, etc., it is still SO much fresher and better tasting than what you can buy on the shelf. Of course, this recipe will still be great if you can not make your dressing this time. But, trust me, it's worth it!
How to make low carb Chicken Salad
Ingredients you'll need:
- 1 ½ lb Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Pepper
- 12 oz Romain Lettuce (3 hearts)
- 1 Cucumber
- 1 Cup Brussels Sprouts
- 1 Head of Broccoli
- 10 oz Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Yellow Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Sunflower Seeds
- 4 Tablespoons Chipotle Buttermilk Ranch (details for homemade below)
Instructions:
Step 1 : Gather your seasonings. Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper. For best results, let them marinate for 4-6 hours in the fridge.
Step 2 : Place boneless chicken thighs in air fryer* at 370℉ for 18 minutes. Flip them halfway during cooking process (at 9 minutes).
Step 3 : Slice chicken thighs once out of the air fryer and they have cooled for a few minutes.
Step 4 : Chop romaine lettuce. Cut cucumber into half moon slices. Slice Brussels sprouts in half and then slice them thin. Chop broccoli into small crowns. Cut tomatoes in half. Slice the yellow pepper thinly.
Step 5 : Place chicken over all veggies and top with sunflower seeds and chipotle buttermilk ranch. Enjoy!
Video of Low Carb Chicken Salad Recipe
Serving Low Carb Chicken Salad
With the addition of the chicken protein, this salad really is a complete meal. If you are okay with adding carbs to this meal, my homemade sourdough bread would be fantastic on the side! Or check out our vegetable soup recipe for another side option.
Recipe
Low Carb Chicken Salad
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Sharp Knife
Ingredients
Chipotle Buttermilk Ranch
- 1 Cup Mayo
- ¾ Cup Buttermilk
- ¾ teaspoon Dill
- ¾ teaspoon Parsley
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- ¾ teaspoon Pepper
- ¾ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¾ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire
- 1½ teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1½ teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Pureed Adobo Chili Peppers
Chicken Thighs
- 1½ lb Chicken Thighs
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1½ teaspoon Pepper
- 1½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
Salad
- 10 oz Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon Sunflower Seeds For garnish
- 1 Cucumber
- 3 Cup Broccoli
- 1 Yellow Pepper
- 12 oz Romaine Lettuce (3 hearts)
- 1 Cup Brussels Sprouts
Instructions
Chipotle Buttermilk Ranch
- Mix mayo with dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper
- Add in liquid ingredients of buttermilk, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Then, add in pureed adobo chili peppers.
- Best if placed in fridge for 1-2 hours in an airtight container before serving. Label and date for 10 days expiration.
Chicken Thigh in Air Fryer
- Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
- For best results, let them marinate for 4-6 hours in the fridge.
- Place boneless chicken thighs in air fryer at 370℉ for 18 minutes. Flip them halfway during cooking process (at 9 minutes).
Salad
- Slice chicken thighs once out of the air fryer and they have cooled for a few minutes.
- Chop romaine lettuce, and slice Brussel sprouts in half and then slice them thin. Chop broccoli into small crowns, cut tomatoes in half, and slice the yellow pepper.
- Place chicken over all veggies and top with sunflower seeds and chipotle buttermilk ranch. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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K Clowers says
This is a favorite way to get in protein before a work out. I love it and it is easy to make.
CookitwithTim says
That's right! Keep getting those gains!