Keto Chicken Pesto Salad with Mozzarella & Tomatoes

Keto Chicken Pesto Salad with Mozzarella & Tomatoes is a fresh, Italian-inspired low-carb meal loaded with tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant basil pesto without the carbs. This Keto Chicken Pesto Salad with Mozzarella & Tomatoes recipe delivers fast prep, high protein, and big Mediterranean flavor perfect for meal prep, weight loss, and anyone craving a clean, satisfying keto salad that still feels indulgent.

About This Recipe

There’s something effortlessly good about pesto — that mix of basil, olive oil, garlic, and cheese that makes almost anything taste gourmet. This Keto Chicken Pesto Salad takes those classic flavors and turns them into a quick, no-stress lunch that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. It’s bright, satisfying, and takes barely 15 minutes to pull together.

The real secret to a perfect keto pesto salad lies in balance. The grilled chicken adds hearty protein, the mozzarella brings creamy richness, and the tomatoes provide a pop of freshness to cut through the oil. A quick homemade or store-bought sugar-free pesto ties it all together, coating each bite in flavor without adding unnecessary carbs. It’s clean, simple food — the kind that feels like summer but works all year round.

This salad isn’t just delicious, it’s smart meal prep. Make a large batch of chicken early in the week and assemble the rest fresh when you need it. It keeps well, tastes even better cold, and it’s easy to dress up with extra greens or avocado. It’s also naturally gluten-free, high-fat, and balanced to keep you full for hours.

For anyone who’s bored of bland keto lunches, this one changes the game. It’s proof that quick meals can still look and taste amazing — all while staying under 6 grams net carbs per serving.

Also Read: Thirty Birthday Cakes You Need to Try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

•  🥗 Fresh, colorful, and perfect for summer or meal prep
• ⏱️ Ready in 15 minutes
• 🧀 Creamy mozzarella and basil pesto flavor in every bite
• 💪 High protein, low carb, and naturally gluten-free

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Ingredients

• 2 cups grilled chicken breast, cubed (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
• ¼ cup sugar-free pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh basil leaves and parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the grilled chicken, mozzarella balls, and cherry tomatoes.
2. Add pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Add greens and mix gently to avoid bruising the leaves.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later (use within 2 days).

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Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 430
• Fat: 34 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Net Carbs: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g

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FAQ

• Can I use store-bought pesto?
  Yes, just make sure it’s sugar-free and made with olive oil instead of cheap seed oils.
• Can I make it dairy-free?
  Use dairy-free pesto and skip the mozzarella — avocado makes a great substitute.
• Can I add other vegetables?
  Absolutely. Zucchini, bell peppers, or cucumber work perfectly with pesto.
• How long does it keep?
  Up to 2 days in the fridge. Store the pesto separately if you want it extra fresh.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Swap chicken for shrimp or cooked turkey.
• Use baby arugula for a peppery bite.
• Add crushed red pepper for a spicy twist.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a standalone lunch or pair with keto garlic flatbread. It also works as a side dish for grilled meat on hot days.

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Did you make this recipe?

Let me know how it turned out! Snap a pic and tag @dailyketo.recipes on instagram – I’d love to see your version.

Try these next:

• Red blue berries and velvet cake
• Wholewheat Red Velvet cake – Vegan

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