Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe {Paleo- Whole30 Compliant} (2024)

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Kimber|

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This creamy ranch flavored chicken salad recipe isnot only delicious for everyday, it is also Paleo and Whole30 compliant!

That delicious picture up above is two things. 1. amazingly delicious. 2 both paleo and whole30 compliant. I really struggled a bit getting started with Whole30 because I am quite the carb addict. If you want to read about why I decided to do the Whole30, you can read about my Whole30 Storyhere {it’s not what you think!}

{To see ALL of our Whole30 Recipes, click here!}

I am not a diet person and never have been. I just love food too much. I recently heard a friend talking about the diet and saying that you just miss out on life. That is how I feel about food! Every meal is a chance to eat something that makes my taste buds sing and taking out all the good stuff (ie bread, pasta, cheese, and butter) would be like taking my joy away three times a day…. or more.

I was determined not to let that happen. I knew there were foods that could be amazing without my aforementioned favorite 4 foods. I just had to get a little more creative in the kitchen. I will admit that there were things that I thought would be delicious and were not. But this. THIS. It was able to make my taste buds sing.

Sure, I might have eaten the ranch chicken salad on toast or crackers if I wasn’t on whole30, but really, who cares! I could just eat the stuff straight out of the bowl with a spoon, it is so good. The zucchini slices made perfect vehicle for delivering it right to my mouth sans carbs, plus it gave it a little extra crunch. I will definitely be doing chicken salad on top of zucchini again, and am excited to try cucumber too.

{See ALL of my to-die-for Chicken Salad recipes here!}

The chicken salad comes together quickly and just uses a few whole food ingredients. I like to use up extra chicken from the grill or crock pot for this, but you could also use left over rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. The veggies are also flexible to what you have on hand. I used celery and bell pepper because it really compliments the flavors in the ranch well, but you can add more or less of whatever you have. Putting lots of veggies in is a great way to bulk up the volume you make and reduce the calories per serving so I always pack it full.

If you are doing Whole30 you can get the recipe for thehomemaderanch mix I use here (it is dairy free to comply with Whole30 which normal Ranch is not) and you will want to make your mayonnaise from scratch (don’t worry, it is way easier than it sounds!) Or if you just want it to be ready to use, you can grab something compliant like this Avocado Oil Mayo. I like to mix the seasonings into the mayonnaise first to make sure it gets mixed well and evenly distributed. Then mix the seasoned mayo into a bowl with the chicken and veggies and stir until everything is coated.

Letting it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge before serving is best because it lets the mayo take on all of the delicious flavors of the ranch. Then just serve it up any way you like and enjoy!

{FULL RECIPE BELOW}

Did your taste buds sing? I would love to know in the comments!

If you are whole30, make sure to check out all of my Whole30 Recipes here! Also, this Whole30 Fajita Chicken salad recipe is every bit as delicious as the ranch so make sure and check it out too!

Hungry for more family-friendly recipes? Sign up for my free recipe club to get new family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.

Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe {Paleo- Whole30 Compliant} (8)

4.80 from 5 votes

Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe {Paleo- Whole30 Compliant}

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Author:Kimber

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Ingredients

  • 3-3.5 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 1 cup celery chopped
  • 1 sweet bell pepper any color, chopped
  • 1/4 sweet yellow onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise - This one is Whole30 Compliant or you can make your own
  • 1 Tbsp dry ranch seasoning Recipe for Whole30 Ranch Seasoning here

Instructions

  • Mix the chicken, mayonnaise, and seasoning together in a medium bowl until well blended.

  • Stir in the celery, peppers and onion until mixed evenly.

  • Chill 1 hour to let flavors meld.

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)

Did you make this recipe?Tag me on Instagram @thepinningmama! If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a review! It helps support my website and makes my day!

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Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe {Paleo- Whole30 Compliant} (13)

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34 Comments

  1. Michelle Smith says

    This is the best chicken salad I have ever eaten!
    Do you have nutritional information for this one?

    Reply

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Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe {Paleo- Whole30 Compliant} (2024)

FAQs

Is Ranch Whole30 approved? ›

Whole30 Approved Salad Dressings to Buy exclusively from Thrive Market: House Ranch Dressing and Dip. Creamy Balsamic Dressing and Marinade. Buffalo Vinaigrette Dressing and Marinade.

Is canned chicken ok on whole 30? ›

Is Canned Chicken Whole30 Compliant? The short answer: it depends on the brand. Generally, the standard canned chicken that you'll find at the grocery store contains some form of “modified food starch” or “rice starch” or other additives—which are neither whole30 compliant nor paleo.

Why does chicken salad have so many carbs? ›

The average chicken salad without added fruit contains 1-3g total carbs and as few as 0g net carbs. However, they can still contain added sugar or even corn syrup in their dressings — and those with added fruits will contain even more carbs.

How many calories are in a salad with chicken and ranch dressing? ›

1 salad of grilled chicken salad with ranch dressing (Salads - Grilled Chicken Salad (1 salad) with Ranch Dressing, Cheeburger Cheeburger) contains 650 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 9% carbs, 63% fat, and 28% protein.

What salad dressing is Whole30 compliant? ›

Primal Kitchen Italian Vinaigrette & Marinade Salad Dressing made with Avocado Oil, Whole30 Approved, Certified Paleo, and Keto Certified, 8 Fluid Ounces (Pack of 2)

What deli meat is allowed on Whole30? ›

Our Applegate Organics® Roast Beef, Applegate Naturals® Prosciutto, and the majority of our carrageenan-free poultry deli meats are Whole30 Approved®.

Is rotisserie chicken Whole30 compliant? ›

You can buy prepackaged cooked chicken or cook some chicken breasts or thighs in the oven, Instant Pot or slow cooker. Do not use rotisserie chicken if you are following Whole30. Neither whole or packaged shredded rotisserie chicken is Whole30-compliant.

What grocery stores are best for Whole30? ›

Where to shop for Whole30 Compliant ingredients: For fresh produce, you can pretty much shop at any grocery store you like or prefer. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Kroger, Aldi, Smith's, Tops', Walmart, Target, etc.

What protein is Whole30 approved? ›

Plant-Based Whole30 Compatible Proteins List
  • Lupini beans.
  • Edamame.
  • Tempeh.
  • Lentils.
  • Split peas.
  • Tofu.
  • Soy nuts.
  • Beans (black, red kidney, white, navy, lima, chickpeas, etc.)
Mar 16, 2023

What happens if I eat chicken salad every day? ›

Chicken salad might help some people lose weight, while it could hinder the process for others. The protein content of chicken salad may help keep you feeling full longer. It might also assist in regulating your appetite and food cravings — each of which can help with weight loss ( 9 , 10 , 13 , 14 ).

What is the most unhealthy salad? ›

Worst: Iceberg Wedge Salad

Thanks to the blue cheese or ranch dressing and bacon crumbles, it can pack in four times the fat of a T-bone steak. It also falls short in the nutrition department. That's because iceberg lettuce contains fewer vitamins and minerals than most dark leafy greens.

Will I lose weight if I just eat chicken and salad? ›

Although chicken and salad are healthy nutrients, you can gain weight due to the way the chicken is prepared, or the salad is made with high-calorie sauces. Moreover, you can't shed weight with only one food in your diet. Salad with chicken supports your diet in this way, but it isn't enough on its own.

Is salad with ranch dressing healthy? ›

Ranch is undoubtedly a very famous salad dressing. The tangy taste of buttermilk with onions and garlic is adored by so many. However, the ranch dressing you love so much is loaded with saturated fats and sodium. Saturated fats are difficult for your body to metabolize, which leads to weight gain.

How many calories in a Chick-fil-A side salad with ranch dressing? ›

Chick-fil-A side salad (1 each) contains 12.8g total carbs, 10.3g net carbs, 10g fat, 6g protein, and 160 calories.

How many calories come from fat in 1 serving of ranch salad dressing? ›

There are 65 calories in a 1 tablespoon (15.000g) serving size of Salad dressing, ranch dressing, regular. The calorie breakdown is 93% fat, 5% carbs, and 1% protein.

Is Chick Fil A Whole30 approved? ›

Chick-fil-A

They're off-limits because they contain ingredients like cornstarch, molasses, and soybean oil. Even the fruit cups contain added sugar, and the salads have ingredients like soybean oils and cornstarch.

Is any cheese allowed on Whole30? ›

Although traditional, dairy-derived cheese is a no-go during a Whole30, there's a world of dairy-free cheesy elements that's compatible. These include: Almond-based “ricotta” or “cream cheeses,” like select varieties from Kite Hill.

Is ranch diet friendly? ›

Some ranches can have upward of 180 calories per serving. Our picks capped calories at 150 for a healthy balance of nutrients and calories. Going with a light version can cut calories by as much as half, but they tend to have more sodium and sugar.

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