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High-Protein Smoked Chicken Salad (Low-Carb) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

High-Protein Smoked Chicken Salad (Low-Carb)

Forget boring chicken salad. This recipe elevates the classic with deep, savory smoked chicken, a creamy tangy dressing, and crunchy toasted pecans. It's a high-protein, low-carb powerhouse perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick, elegant lunch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 serving
Calories: 325
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups (600g / 21.2 oz) cubed, smoked chicken meat
  • 1 cup (240g / 8.5 oz) homemade baconaise or organic mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp (3g / 0.11 oz) paprika
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (120g / 4.2 oz) chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon (6g / 0.21 oz) Celtic sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional Add-ins & Serving
  • Sliced hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 cup (150g / 5.3 oz) chopped celery
  • ½ cup (75g / 2.65 oz) minced green pepper
  • 8 protein buns or large lettuce leaves for wraps
  • No smoker? No problem. Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and add ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke to the mayonnaise for a quick, smoky flavor.
  • Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before chopping. This simple step dramatically enhances their nutty flavor and crunch.
  • This salad is fantastic for meal prep. It will stay fresh and delicious in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Method
 

  1. Directions
  2. If preparing your own smoked chicken, smoke chicken pieces for 3-4 hours using your preferred wood chips.
  3. Finish in a 250°F (120°C) oven for about 30 minutes until deep golden and fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then remove the meat from the bones and cube it.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, paprika, and Celtic sea salt until smooth.
  5. Stir in the chopped green onion, pecans, and any other optional additions like celery or green pepper.
  6. Gently fold in the cubed smoked chicken until it is evenly coated with the dressing.
  7. Season generously with ground black pepper to your liking.
  8. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  9. Serve cold on protein buns or in lettuce wraps, garnished with sliced hard-boiled eggs if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 29gFat: 22g

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