Everything Bagel Low Carb Chicken Salad – Creamy, Crunchy, and Easy

This chicken salad brings the bold, familiar flavor of everything bagel seasoning to a light, low carb lunch you’ll actually look forward to eating. It’s creamy, crunchy, and generously seasoned, with lemon and dill for brightness. Serve it in lettuce wraps, on cucumber slices, or spooned over a bed of greens.

It comes together fast with cooked chicken and a handful of pantry staples. Great for meal prep, and even better the next day.

Everything Bagel Low Carb Chicken Salad - Creamy, Crunchy, and Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded (breast or thigh)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (use avocado oil mayo for a cleaner option)
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but brightens the flavor)
• 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning, plus more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, if you like extra garlicky)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for added depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 small celery ribs, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 tablespoons red onion or scallions, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped (optional, for tang)
• 1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

 

• Prep the chicken: If using rotisserie, remove skin and bones. Shred or chop the meat into small, bite-size pieces. Smaller pieces blend better with the dressing.
• Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon, lemon juice, lemon zest, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or salt as needed.
• Add the crunch: Stir in celery, red onion or scallions, dill, and capers if using. Mix until evenly distributed.
• Fold in the chicken: Add the chicken to the bowl and gently fold until coated. If the salad looks dry, add 1–2 tablespoons more mayo or yogurt.
• Finish with texture: Sprinkle in toasted sesame seeds (if using) and give the salad a final stir. Top with a pinch of everything bagel seasoning.
• Rest and serve: Let it chill for 20–30 minutes so the flavors meld. Serve in lettuce cups, with sliced cucumbers, in a low-carb tortilla, or over mixed greens.

Why This Recipe Works

• Big flavor, low effort: Everything bagel seasoning adds instant depth—garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds—without extra chopping.
• Balanced texture: Creamy dressing meets crunchy celery and toasted seeds for a satisfying bite.
• Low carb and filling: Protein-rich chicken and a mayo-Greek yogurt base keep carbs low and hunger at bay.
• Flexible base: Works with rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, or leftovers. You can adjust seasoning, herbs, or add-ins to taste.
• Meal-prep friendly: Holds well for several days and tastes even better after the flavors meld.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded (breast or thigh)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (use avocado oil mayo for a cleaner option)
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but brightens the flavor)
• 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning, plus more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, if you like extra garlicky)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for added depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 small celery ribs, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 tablespoons red onion or scallions, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped (optional, for tang)
• 1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional, for extra crunch)

How to Make It

1. Prep the chicken: If using rotisserie, remove skin and bones.

   Shred or chop the meat into small, bite-size pieces. Smaller pieces blend better with the dressing.

2. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon, lemon juice, lemon zest, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or salt as needed.
3. Add the crunch: Stir in celery, red onion or scallions, dill, and capers if using.

   Mix until evenly distributed.

4. Fold in the chicken: Add the chicken to the bowl and gently fold until coated. If the salad looks dry, add 1–2 tablespoons more mayo or yogurt.
5. Finish with texture: Sprinkle in toasted sesame seeds (if using) and give the salad a final stir. Top with a pinch of everything bagel seasoning.
6. Rest and serve: Let it chill for 20–30 minutes so the flavors meld.

   Serve in lettuce cups, with sliced cucumbers, in a low-carb tortilla, or over mixed greens.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving, as the seasoning can settle and the dressing may thin slightly.
• Meal prep: Portion into single-serve containers for grab-and-go lunches. Keep lettuce, cucumbers, or wraps separate to avoid sogginess.
• Freezing not recommended: The dairy-based dressing can separate after thawing.

  Make fresh for best texture.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Low carb, high protein: Supports low-carb and keto-friendly eating while keeping you full and satisfied.
• Quick and convenient: Uses cooked chicken and pantry ingredients for a fast, no-fuss meal.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the seasoning, herbs, or mix-ins to your taste or what’s in your fridge.
• Great for leftovers: Flavors deepen after a day, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Versatile serving options: Works as a dip, a salad topper, or a filling for wraps and lettuce cups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-salting too early: Everything bagel seasoning can be salty. Start with less salt and add more after mixing and chilling.
• Skipping the chill time: A quick rest helps the seasoning hydrate and the flavors blend. Rushing can make the salad taste disjointed.
• Using warm chicken: Warm chicken thins the dressing.

  Cool the chicken first for the creamiest texture.

• Cutting too large: Big chunks of chicken don’t hold dressing as well. Smaller pieces give you better flavor in every bite.
• Forgetting acidity: Lemon juice brightens the rich dressing. Without it, the salad can taste flat.

Variations You Can Try

• Avocado twist: Mash 1/2 ripe avocado into the dressing for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

  Reduce mayo slightly.

• Spicy version: Add 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or minced jalapeño for heat.
• Herb-forward: Swap dill for parsley, chives, or basil. Fresh herbs keep things bright and fresh.
• Pickle lover’s: Add 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles and a splash of pickle juice. Reduce added salt.
• Crunch boost: Stir in chopped cucumbers, radishes, or roasted sunflower seeds for extra texture (watch carbs if strict keto).
• Dairy-free: Use all mayonnaise or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

  Adjust lemon and seasoning to taste.

• Egg addition: Fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.

FAQ

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, you can. Drain it well and break it up with a fork before mixing. Rotisserie or poached chicken has better texture, but canned is fast and works in a pinch.

How do I make my own everything bagel seasoning?

Combine sesame seeds (white and black if possible), poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaky salt.

Start with equal parts seeds and aromatics, then salt to taste.

Is Greek yogurt necessary?

No. You can use all mayonnaise for a richer, keto-friendly version, or all Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If using only yogurt, add a bit more lemon and a splash of olive oil for smoothness.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this salad?

Poach chicken breasts in salted water with a bay leaf until just cooked, then cool and shred.

It stays juicy and shreds easily. Rotisserie chicken is the quickest shortcut.

How can I keep it from getting watery?

Use cooled chicken, finely chop veggies, and avoid overly juicy add-ins. If it thins out after chilling, stir in a spoonful of mayo or Greek yogurt to tighten it up.

What should I serve it with to keep it low carb?

Try lettuce cups, cucumber rounds, low-carb tortillas, bell pepper boats, or a simple arugula salad.

It also pairs well with cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado.

Can I make it nut-free and seed-free?

Yes. Skip the sesame and poppy seeds by using a seed-free seasoning blend with garlic and onion flakes plus a pinch of salt and pepper. You’ll still get that savory everything flavor.

How long does it last in the fridge?

About 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Always smell and check texture before serving, and keep it chilled until ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

Everything Bagel Low Carb Chicken Salad is the kind of recipe you keep on repeat: simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. It’s easy to mix up for weekday lunches or a quick dinner, and it’s crowd-friendly if you need to feed a few people. Keep the basics the same—good chicken, a bright, creamy dressing, and that craveable seasoning—and make it your own with herbs and add-ins.

With minimal effort, you’ll have a satisfying, low carb favorite ready to go whenever you are.