Keto Avocado Chicken Salad

Featured in: Lunch Nosh

This vibrant dish features tender chicken and creamy avocado layered with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and spinach in mason jars. Lightly dressed with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and seasonings, it’s a quick, convenient, and satisfying low-carb lunch option. The layering preserves freshness, and the jars are perfect for meal prepping or on-the-go enjoyment. Garnished with cilantro for a burst of herbal flavor, this salad balances creamy textures with crisp vegetables, offering a refreshing and nourishing experience.

Updated on Sat, 14 Feb 2026 22:28:39 GMT
Keto avocado chicken salad mason jars with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and cucumber in a zesty lime dressing. Save
Keto avocado chicken salad mason jars with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and cucumber in a zesty lime dressing. | grinnosh.com

Keto Avocado Chicken Salad Mason Jars are the ultimate solution for a fresh, protein-packed lunch on the go. This mayo-free recipe features creamy avocado and tender chicken layered with crisp vegetables, making it a perfect keto-friendly meal prep option that stays delicious for days.

Keto avocado chicken salad mason jars with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and cucumber in a zesty lime dressing. Save
Keto avocado chicken salad mason jars with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and cucumber in a zesty lime dressing. | grinnosh.com

By utilizing the smart layering method in mason jars, you ensure that the dressing stays at the bottom and the leafy greens stay at the top. This keeps every bite as fresh as the moment you prepared it, perfect for office lunches or picnics.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Start the Base
Divide the dressing evenly among the bottom of 4 large (16 oz) mason jars.
Step 3: Layer the Vegetables
Add the finely chopped red onion first, followed by the diced cucumber and the halved cherry tomatoes.
Step 4: Add Protein and Avocado
Layer the cooked chicken breast on top of the tomatoes, followed by the diced avocado pieces.
Step 5: Top with Greens
Add the baby spinach leaves to the top of each jar and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.
Step 6: Seal and Store
Seal the jars tightly with their lids and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prevent the avocado from browning, ensure it is fully coated in the lime-based dressing when you eventually shake the jar. Using 16 oz jars provides the perfect amount of space for these specific measurements.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of smoked paprika to your dressing. You can also easily substitute the chicken for turkey or rotisserie chicken to save even more time.

Serviervorschläge

When you are ready to enjoy your salad, simply shake the jar vigorously to distribute the dressing from the bottom. Alternatively, pour the contents into a bowl and toss everything together for a beautiful, fresh presentation.

Layered mason jar salad featuring creamy avocado, shredded chicken, and crisp vegetables for a healthy keto meal prep. Save
Layered mason jar salad featuring creamy avocado, shredded chicken, and crisp vegetables for a healthy keto meal prep. | grinnosh.com

This easy, American-style salad is a nutrient-dense powerhouse. With only 7g of carbohydrates and 340 calories per jar, it is a satisfying way to maintain your keto or gluten-free diet without sacrificing flavor.

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Recipe FAQ

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Yes, turkey or rotisserie chicken can be used as alternatives for similar flavor and texture.

How should I store the layered jars?

Seal jars tightly and refrigerate. Best consumed within 2 days to keep avocados fresh.

What dressing is used in this dish?

A simple blend of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper.

Can I add heat or extra flavor to the dressing?

Yes, optional additions like chopped jalapeño or smoked paprika can enhance the flavor.

Is it necessary to layer the ingredients in a specific order?

Yes, layering from onion to spinach ensures freshness and proper texture when served.

Keto Avocado Chicken Salad

Layered avocado, chicken, and fresh veggies in jars for a creamy, protein-packed low-carb meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Hannah Lewis

Type Lunch Nosh

Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines No dairy, No gluten, Low-Carbohydrate

Components

Protein

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

Vegetables

01 2 ripe avocados, diced
02 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 1 cup cucumber, diced
04 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
05 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves

Dressing

01 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, approximately 1 lime
03 1 garlic clove, minced
04 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
05 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Stage 01

Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and ground black pepper until fully emulsified.

Stage 02

Distribute dressing to jars: Divide the dressing evenly among the bottom of 4 large mason jars.

Stage 03

Layer salad ingredients: Layer the salad ingredients in each jar in the following order: red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, chicken, avocado, and baby spinach.

Stage 04

Add garnish: Top each jar with chopped cilantro if desired.

Stage 05

Seal and refrigerate: Seal jars tightly and refrigerate until ready to consume.

Stage 06

Serve: To serve, shake the jar to distribute the dressing, or pour contents into a bowl and toss thoroughly.

Necessary tools

  • 4 large 16 oz mason jars with lids
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains no common allergens
  • Check packaged chicken or seasoning labels for hidden allergens

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 28 g