Is Chicken Salad Macro Friendly?

Chicken salad often seems like a healthy choice, but it’s easy to overlook how much dressing impacts the overall macros. The chicken itself, particularly lean cuts like chicken breast, is an excellent macro friendly choice (rich in protein and low in fat) keeping you feeling full and satisfied. But let’s dive deeper into chicken salad macros…

The salad base (whether lettuce, cabbage, kale, or a combination of veggies) is typically high in fiber and water content (cucumbers, for example, are about 96% water), making it naturally low in calories.

The real challenge lies in the dressing. Dressings often add significant calories and fats, quickly turning an otherwise healthy meal into a calorie-dense option (especially when dealing with macro friendly chicken salad).

The good news? You don’t have to skip the dressing entirely to enjoy a macro friendly chicken salad. Instead, scroll down to explore delicious, balanced recipes designed specifically to satisfy your taste buds without derailing your macros (and still hitting great chicken salad macros!).

Our Favorite Macro Friendly Chicken Salad Recipe: Ingredients and Steps to Bring it to Life

Big Chicken Caesar Salad

Chicken Caesar Salad

Macros for the 1/3 the Salad:

456 Cals, 17g Carbs, 10.5g Fat, 66g Protein

This Big Chicken Caesar Salad is a high-protein, flavor-packed salad that will leave you full and satisfied. The creamy, low-cal Caesar dressing (just 29 calories per serving) perfectly complements the fresh, crisp veggies and tender lemon basil chicken. With 66g of protein in every serving, this salad isn’t just delicious… it’s macro friendly too! Whether you’re meal prepping or enjoying it fresh, this is one chicken salad recipe that’s sure to make your week a whole lot tastier (at just 456 calories per serving!). Those are some great chicken salad macros!

Asian Crunch Salad with Teriyaki Chicken

The Asian Crunch Salad

Macros for 1/3rd of the Salad:

384 Cals, 29g Carbs, 8g Fat, 49g Protein

Looking for a macro friendly chicken salad? This Asian Crunch Salad with Teriyaki Chicken is a perfect alternative macro friendly chicken salad! Packed with protein and loaded with colorful veggies, it’s a satisfying and healthy option that’s as delicious as it is macro friendly. Plus, with balanced chicken salad macros, it’s great for anyone watching their nutrition. 

Meal Prep Spicy Elotes Chicken Salad

Meal Prep Spicy Elotes Chicken Salad

Macros for 1/3rd the Recipe (makes a ton):

374 Cals, 30g Carbs, 6g Fat, 50g Protein

This Meal Prep Spicy Elotes Chicken Salad is a flavor-packed, macro friendly option for your weekly meal prep. With a spicy, creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and sriracha, this salad will satisfy your taste buds without breaking your goals. Filled with chicken, pasta, corn, and a little kick from jalapeños, it’s high in protein (50g per serving) and perfectly balanced. Ready to go in a snap, this salad is the kind of meal that will keep you coming back for more. Just keep the dressing separate for meal prep (just 374 calories per serving!).

McChicken Salad

McChicken Salad

Macros for the WHOLE McChicken Salad w/Dressing:

357 Cals, 28g Carbs, 5g Fat, 50g Protein

 

This McChicken Salad is a game-changer for anyone craving the flavors of a classic fast-food favorite in a healthier, macro friendly version. With 50g of protein in the whole salad, it’s the perfect way to hit your protein goals without sacrificing flavor. The spicy McChicken patties are made with lean ground chicken and seasoned to perfection, paired with a tangy Big Mac dressing that ties everything together. At just 357 calories per serving, this is a satisfying and tasty chicken salad recipe that’s perfect for meal prep or a fresh meal anytime (all while still hitting your chicken salad macros!).

Chipotle Ranch Chicken Salad

Chipotle Ranch Chicken Salad

Macros for 1/4th of the Salad:

531 Cals, 59g Carbs, 7g Fat, 58g Protein, 15g Fiber

Looking for a filling, macro friendly salad that hits all the right notes? This Chipotle Ranch Chicken Salad is a game-changer. With 58g of protein per serving and a zesty chipotle ranch dressing, it’s packed with flavor and fiber (thanks to ingredients like kidney beans, black beans, and corn). The combination of crisp veggies and tender chicken breast makes it a satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to meal prep and tastes amazing for days. Get your greens, chicken salad macros, and a kick of spice in this delicious salad!

Sticky Honey Sriracha Stir Fry Salad

Macros (recipe makes 3 servings):

389 Cals, 30g Carbs, 5.5g Fat, 55g Protein

If you love a little heat with your protein-packed meals, this Sticky Honey Sriracha Stir Fry Salad is exactly what you need. With a perfect balance of sweet and spicy from the honey sriracha sauce, it’ll quickly become a go-to for your macro friendly meals. The chicken breast provides a whopping 55g of protein per serving, and the fresh veggies keep it light and satisfying. At only 389 calories per serving, this salad has the perfect chicken salad macros for fueling your day without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to enjoy a spicy, sticky, and downright delicious dish! A perfect macro friendly chicken salad alternative.

Chicken BLT Pasta Salad

Chicken BLT Pasta Salad

Macros for 1/5th of the Recipe:

453 Cals, 39g Carbs, 9g Fat, 54g Protein

This Chicken BLT Pasta Salad is everything you love about a classic BLT but with a macro friendly twist. Packed with 54g of protein per serving, it’s a satisfying mix of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh romaine, and pasta tossed in a creamy avocado mayo dressing. At just 453 calories, it’s a high-protein meal that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch. If you’re craving a pasta salad that actually keeps you full, this one’s a must-try!

Closing Thoughts on Chicken Salad Macros

What we have offered is just a sample of the wonderful world of enjoying a salad without sacrificing dressings. There are hundreds of more ways to make macro friendly chicken salad as well! Here are the recipes we know are good:

I’ve spent the last 12 years perfecting easy macro friendly recipes that make hitting your goals simple, delicious, and sustainable. With over 1,027 macro friendly easy recipes, there’s something for everyone (whether you’re craving high-protein pizzas, meal prep staples, or macro-friendly desserts). Millions of people around the world enjoy these recipes, and now you can too! Want more? Check out some of the recipe books here and start cooking meals that fit your lifestyle and taste great.