Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor — the Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad is the perfect fusion of savory and sweet in every satisfying bite. Tender shredded chicken mingles with juicy blackberries, crunchy celery, creamy dressing, and a sprinkle of red onion for a refreshing meal that feels gourmet but is effortlessly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a healthy, flavorful lunch, this salad will have you reaching for seconds.

This salad is more than just delicious; it’s a powerhouse of nutritious ingredients tailored for a low-carb lifestyle. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, the Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad makes it easy to stay on track without feeling like you’re missing out. The natural sweetness of the berries complements the savory chicken, creating a harmony of tastes and textures you’ll absolutely adore.

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Burst of Flavors: The juicy blackberries add a surprising pop of sweetness to every bite.
Healthy & Nutritious: Low in carbs but high in protein and antioxidants, it supports a balanced diet.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for meal prep, light lunches, potlucks, or as a dinner side dish.
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time with maximum flavor payoff.
Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite add-ins like nuts, cheese, or different greens.
Visually Stunning: A beautiful mix of colors and textures that looks as good as it tastes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Getting ready to create the perfect Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad starts with the right setup. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: To efficiently and safely dice the chicken, onions, and any other mix-ins.
Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): A large bowl is essential for tossing everything together, while a medium bowl can help you prep your dressing separately for better flavor blending.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters, especially with dressings and seasoning, to maintain the low-carb balance.
Salad Spinner: If you’re using leafy greens, a spinner keeps them crisp and dry—preventing a soggy salad.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For gently folding the ingredients without crushing the tender blackberries.
Food Scale (Optional): For tracking exact protein and carb counts if you’re strict with macros.

Why These Tools Matter:

Each tool plays a crucial role in keeping prep smooth and your final dish flawless. Using sharp knives ensures even cuts without bruising the blackberries. Proper mixing bowls help combine the dressing evenly through the salad without breaking the more delicate ingredients. A salad spinner ensures no extra water dilutes your creamy dressing. Altogether, these tools make for a quick, clean, and professional salad preparation.

Preparation Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken for Speed: If you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it—it’s juicy and flavorful.
Chill the Ingredients First: Keep your chicken and blackberries refrigerated until right before mixing for a crisp, refreshing salad.
Pre-Mix the Dressing Separately: Blend your dressing ingredients together first to fully incorporate flavors before tossing with the salad.
Gentle Tossing is Key: When combining the salad, fold gently to preserve the shape and texture of the blackberries.
Taste as You Go: Adjust salt, pepper, or a touch of sweetener depending on your taste preference and the tartness of the berries.

Ingredients for this Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe

To create this flavorful and refreshing salad, you’ll need the following wholesome ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (breast meat works best for a lean option)
1 cup fresh blackberries, gently rinsed and patted dry
⅓ cup celery, finely chopped (adds a delightful crunch)
¼ cup red onion, finely diced (for a mild, zesty kick)
½ cup mayonnaise, preferably avocado oil-based for a healthier fat profile
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess and slight tang)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (enhances depth of flavor)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed (brightens the dressing)
Optional Garnishes: crumbled bacon, chopped walnuts, or feta cheese for extra texture and flavor
Optional Greens Base: butter lettuce, baby spinach, or arugula to serve underneath

Ingredient Notes:

Chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a savory layer of flavor.
Blackberries: Choose firm, plump berries for the best taste and texture.
Mayonnaise: Using a quality mayo keeps the dish keto-friendly and ultra-creamy.
Greek Yogurt: Adds a slight tanginess and boosts the protein content without many extra carbs.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all the elements for a smooth assembly:

Shred or dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Wash the blackberries gently under cold water and pat them dry carefully to avoid bruising.
Finely chop the celery and red onion.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl:

Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Whisk until everything is smooth and well-blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl:

Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and diced red onion.
Pour the prepared dressing over the top.
Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula until evenly coated.

Step 4: Add the Blackberries

Carefully add the blackberries to the bowl.
Fold them in very gently to avoid crushing the berries while ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Serve

Arrange a bed of fresh greens (optional) on your serving plate or bowl.
Spoon the Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad on top.
Garnish with optional toppings like crumbled bacon, chopped walnuts, or feta cheese if desired.

Notes

Customize the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of mayo and Greek yogurt based on your preferred creaminess level.
Berry Substitutes: If blackberries aren’t available, raspberries or blueberries can also work, though they may alter the carb count slightly.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the chicken and dressing a day in advance. Just add the blackberries right before serving to keep them fresh.
Flavor Boosters: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil can add a refreshing twist.
Serving Style: This salad works great scooped into lettuce wraps for an even lower-carb option!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing: Stirring too aggressively will crush the delicate blackberries and make the salad mushy.
Using Warm Ingredients: Always use cooled chicken and chilled ingredients to preserve the crispness and texture.
Skipping Taste Tests: Always taste your dressing before combining it with the salad; seasoning adjustments can make a big difference.
Adding All Dressing at Once: Depending on your preferences, you might not need all the dressing—add gradually to avoid over-saturating the salad.
Not Drying Ingredients: Water clinging to berries or greens will thin out the dressing and water down the flavors.
Choosing Overripe Berries: Soft or overripe blackberries can break apart too easily during mixing.
Ignoring Freshness: Using old or wilted ingredients will make the entire salad feel less vibrant and appealing.
Neglecting to Chill: Serving the salad while the chicken is still warm can wilt the greens and create an unbalanced temperature and texture.

What to Serve With Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe

While the Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad shines on its own, pairing it thoughtfully can turn a simple meal into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hosting a lunch, planning a picnic, or prepping a weeknight dinner, here are some delicious ideas to round out your plate.

8 Recommendations:

Almond Flour Crackers: Crunchy and light, they complement the creamy texture of the salad without adding unnecessary carbs.
Avocado Slices: Rich and buttery, fresh avocado brings even more healthy fats and a silky mouthfeel to the meal.
Cauliflower Rice: Serve the salad over lightly seasoned cauliflower rice for a heartier low-carb plate.
Zucchini Noodles: A refreshing, crisp base that’s perfect if you’re craving a pasta-like texture without the carbs.
Cheese Platter: A small side of aged cheeses like gouda, brie, or cheddar can add richness and extra indulgence.
Cucumber Boats: Hollow out cucumbers and stuff them with the salad for a fun and refreshing presentation.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly roasted with olive oil and lemon, asparagus adds an earthy balance to the salad’s fruity notes.
Chia Seed Pudding (for Dessert): If you want a sweet finish that sticks to the low-carb theme, a simple chia seed pudding is perfect after this refreshing salad.

Storage Instructions for Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Refrigeration:

Store the salad in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
It’s best consumed within 2–3 days for the optimal texture and flavor.
If you anticipate leftovers, consider adding blackberries individually to each portion to avoid them becoming mushy.

Tips for Best Results:

Stir Gently Before Serving: After storage, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the ingredients.
Avoid Freezing: Due to the mayonnaise-based dressing and delicate nature of berries, freezing is not recommended — it will lead to texture changes and watery separation.
Separate Components: If prepping in advance, keep the chicken, dressing, and blackberries separate until ready to serve.

Estimated Nutrition for Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Per Serving (Based on approximately 4 servings total):

Calories: 320–350 kcal
Protein: 25–28 grams
Total Fat: 22–24 grams
Saturated Fat: 4–5 grams
Carbohydrates: 6–8 grams
Fiber: 2–3 grams
Net Carbs: 4–6 grams
Sugars: 3–4 grams (naturally from the blackberries)

Nutrition Notes:

Using a Greek yogurt-mayo combo helps reduce the fat slightly while boosting protein.
If adding nuts, cheese, or bacon, adjust the macros accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh blackberries for this recipe. Frozen ones tend to release too much water when thawed, which can make the salad watery and less appealing.

2. How can I make this salad dairy-free?

Simply omit the Greek yogurt and stick to using a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative. The flavor and creaminess will still be fantastic.

3. What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Cooked chicken breast is preferred for its lean protein and mild flavor, but thigh meat can also be used if you prefer a richer, juicier bite.

4. Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to add the blackberries just before serving to keep them fresh and intact.

5. How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

Make sure all your ingredients — especially the blackberries and greens — are completely dry before mixing. Also, store leftovers in an airtight container.

6. What other fruits could work in place of blackberries?

If needed, blueberries or raspberries are great low-carb alternatives. Just keep in mind they might slightly change the overall sweetness.

7. Is this salad keto-friendly?

Absolutely! With low net carbs per serving and high fat and protein content, this salad fits perfectly into a keto diet.

8. Can I add nuts for extra crunch?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds are delicious add-ins that provide a crunchy texture and extra healthy fats.

Conclusion

The Low Carb Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy — all while staying friendly to low-carb and keto lifestyles. It’s a quick, versatile dish you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or crafting a standout dish for your next gathering. With the combination of fresh ingredients, rich textures, and a vibrant flavor profile, this salad proves that healthy eating can be anything but boring. Give it a try, savor every bite, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks you for the recipe!