Keto Chicken Salad with Creamy Chimichurri Dressing

This keto-friendly meal is both easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors. Originating from South America, chimichurri sauce is made with a blend of fresh parsley or cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, red wine vinegar, and a touch of red chili peppers. It adds a delightful twist to this chicken salad recipe, perfect for those following a keto diet. You can choose to either sauté or grill the chicken thighs, depending on your preference.

Ingredients:

Chimichurri Dressing:

- 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise

- ¼ tablespoon of red wine vinegar

- ½ cup of fresh parsley or fresh cilantro (finely chopped)

- ½ tablespoon of red chili peppers (chopped)

- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano

- 1 garlic clove

Chicken Thighs:

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil 

- 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs

- Salt 

- ground black pepper to taste

Serving:

- 2 cups of leafy greens (such as lettuce or spinach)

- 1 avocado (sliced)

- ¼ of a red onion (sliced)

- 1 lemon (cut into wedges, optional)

- ½ of a red chili pepper (sliced, optional)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients for the chimichurri dressing (mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, fresh parsley or cilantro, red chili peppers, dried oregano, and garlic). Blend until smooth. If desired, add a little water to achieve a thinner consistency. Set aside.

2. Heat a large skillet with olive oil or coconut oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet and cook them on both sides until they are completely cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the meat and usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the serving vegetables. Arrange the leafy greens, sliced avocado, and sliced red onion on individual plates or a large serving platter.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, place it on top of the prepared vegetables. Drizzle the creamy chimichurri dressing over the chicken and vegetables. If desired, garnish with a couple of lemon wedges and sliced red chili pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

Serve the keto chicken salad immediately and enjoy!