Sometimes, life calls for a meal you can eat on-the-go. And when your diet is based around whole foods, like lean meats, fruits, and vegetables (as is the case on the paleo diet) this isn't always easy. 

Which is why this all-in-one Paleo Chicken Salad recipe should be a part of your weekly menu. 

You've probably had chicken salad plenty of times on the paleo diet. It's easy to make, stores well in the fridge, and can be eaten with a spoon when sitting down for lunch isn't an option.

But it's hard to think of eating just chicken and mayo as a balanced lunch. Chances are, you probably haven't seen a chicken salad recipe that can double as a meal. 

Until now.

Our hearty version is made with all the traditional stuff, plus a plethora of vitamin-rich veggies and heart-healthy avocado. It's twice the flavor and nutrition punch of a normal chicken salad recipe.

If you make this recipe, please post a photo on Instagram and tag @fatissmartfuel! 

This recipe is:

• Low-carb
• Keto
• Paleo
• Gluten-free

This recipe features:

• Chicken
• Avocado
• Kale
• Almonds
• Tomatoes
• Kale
• Celery
• Broccoli florets
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard

Health benefits of this recipe:

1. Full of protein: Between the chicken, almonds, and avocado, each serving of this paleo chicken salad has more than 30 grams of protein. Protein has been shown to aid in weight loss, as it helps suppress appetite and keeps you full longer after meals [*]. It also helps rebuild body tissues (especially muscle) after hard workouts, so you maximize the fitness gains you make from each session [*]. This chicken salad is perfect for a post-workout meal!
2. Packed with vegetables: Most store-bought chicken salad consists of four ingredients: chicken, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. But this paleo chicken salad recipe is made with 4 different vegetables, all of which offer essential vitamins and minerals that keep you healthy, disease-free, and full of energy [*]. Broccoli is also full of fiber, which is a proven weight management tool and helps keep your gut bacteria happy and healthy [*][*].
3. Good source of heart-healthy fats: Avocados are chock-full of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease and other ailments [*]. In fact, avocados contain more than 70% heart-healthy fats, which puts them in superfood territory—most foods have less, or contain more saturated fats. While technically not a vegetable (they're a fruit), avocados are also jam-packed with fiber and micronutrients that keep your body's systems running in harmony [*].

Paleo Chicken Salad

Recipe Information:

• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving size: 4 ounces
• Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• ¼ cup broccoli florets, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• ½ cup kale, finely chopped
• ¼ cup tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli, celery, kale, tomatoes, avocado, and almonds.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise and mustard together.
3. Add the mayo and mustard mixture to the medium bowl. 
4. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well coated. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving:

Calories: 519

• Fat: 41g
• Protein: 30.5g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 5g
• Net Carbohydrates: 2g

Macros:

• Fat: 71%
• Protein: 24%
• Carbohydrates: 5%