High Protein Carnivore Roast Beef Horseradish Loaded Chicken Salad Recipe

Sometimes you want a salad, but you don’t want lettuce.

You want something hearty, creamy, packed with protein, and satisfying enough to actually feel like a meal.

That’s exactly where this High Protein Carnivore Roast Beef Horseradish Loaded Chicken Salad comes in.

It’s made with tender shredded chicken, thinly sliced roast beef, creamy mayonnaise, sour cream, sharp prepared horseradish, and a little seasoning. It’s rich, savory, and has just enough horseradish heat to keep every bite interesting.

I came up with this combination after a friend mentioned that she loved roast beef and horseradish together but was getting tired of eating the same old roast beef sandwiches.

I thought, Why not put those flavors into a chicken salad?

So I tried it.

I made a batch for my family last weekend, mostly expecting to keep it for quick lunches during the week.

That didn’t quite happen.

Everyone kept sneaking spoonfuls from the refrigerator.

By the next day, there wasn’t nearly as much left as I’d planned.

Everyone loved it.

I’ve made it several times since then, especially on busy days when I want something I can prepare ahead of time. It’s also one of those recipes I make when I’m stressed because there’s no complicated cooking involved once the chicken is ready.

Just mix everything together, chill it, and eat.

Sometimes simple really is better.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in protein

Carnivore-inspired

Low in carbohydrates

Rich and creamy

Bold horseradish flavor

Easy meal prep

No lettuce required

Great for lunch

Perfect for quick dinners

Delicious straight from the refrigerator

📋 Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes if using cooked chicken and roast beef

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Course: Lunch, Dinner, Salad, Meal Prep

Cuisine: American, Carnivore-Inspired

Difficulty: Easy

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

3 cups cooked shredded chicken

8 ounces cooked roast beef, thinly sliced or chopped

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

2–3 tablespoons prepared horseradish

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, optional

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional

Optional Carnivore-Friendly Additions

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

3 strips crispy bacon, crumbled

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Extra horseradish

A drizzle of melted butter

For a stricter carnivore version, omit ingredients that don’t fit your personal approach and use meat, eggs, dairy, and seasonings accordingly.

🍳 Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl

Small bowl

Measuring spoons

Fork or spatula

Knife

Cutting board

Airtight storage container

👩‍🍳 How to Make Roast Beef Horseradish Loaded Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Use cooked chicken that’s been cooled completely.

Shred it into bite-size pieces.

I prefer a combination of shredded chicken breast and thigh meat because the mixture stays juicy while still providing plenty of lean protein.

Step 2: Prepare the Roast Beef

Cut the roast beef into small bite-size pieces.

You can use leftover homemade roast beef or good-quality deli roast beef.

If using deli meat, choose a variety with minimal added ingredients if you’re trying to keep the recipe carnivore-friendly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Horseradish Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:

Mayonnaise

Sour cream

Horseradish

Dijon mustard, if using

Salt

Black pepper

Garlic powder, if using

Stir until smooth.

Taste it before adding it to the meat.

If you love horseradish like I do, add another spoonful.

Step 4: Combine the Meat

Place the shredded chicken and chopped roast beef in a large mixing bowl.

Pour the dressing over the top.

Step 5: Mix

Gently stir everything together until the chicken and roast beef are evenly coated.

If you’re adding eggs, bacon, or cheese, fold them in now.

Try not to overmix because you want the meat to maintain some texture.

Step 6: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This gives the flavors time to blend.

Honestly, it tastes even better after several hours in the refrigerator.

Step 7: Serve

Serve cold or slightly chilled.

For a carnivore-style meal, eat it straight from a bowl or serve it alongside:

Hard-boiled eggs

Crispy bacon

Slices of cheddar

Grilled steak

Pork chops

If you’re following a more flexible low-carb diet, you can also serve it with cucumber slices, lettuce cups, or low-carb crackers.

💡 Tips for the Best Chicken Salad

Use Cold Cooked Meat

Warm chicken can make the dressing greasy and soft. Allow the meat to cool completely before mixing.

Adjust the Horseradish

Start with 2 tablespoons and add more according to your taste.

Prepared horseradish can vary quite a bit in strength.

Don’t Drown the Meat

Add the dressing gradually. You want everything coated and creamy without turning into a paste.

Let It Chill

A short rest in the refrigerator allows the horseradish and roast beef flavors to mingle.

Use Leftovers

This is a fantastic way to turn leftover roast chicken and roast beef into an entirely new meal.

🌟 Delicious Variations

Bacon Horseradish Chicken Salad

Add plenty of crispy chopped bacon for a smoky, salty twist.

Cheesy Roast Beef Chicken Salad

Fold in shredded cheddar or small cubes of cheese.

Egg-Loaded Version

Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for even more protein and richness.

Extra-Horseradish Version

Use 3–4 tablespoons of prepared horseradish for a much stronger kick.

Cream Cheese Version

Replace some of the sour cream with softened cream cheese for a thicker, richer salad.

Roast Beef Steak Salad

Replace some of the chicken with leftover grilled steak.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

For a carnivore-style plate, I love serving this with:

Crispy bacon

Hard-boiled eggs

Fried eggs

Cheddar cheese

Roast beef slices

Grilled steak

Pork chops

Sausage

For a low-carb option:

Lettuce cups

Cucumber slices

Celery sticks

Tomato slices

Low-carb crackers

Avocado

It is also delicious spooned onto a simple salad if you’re not following a strict carnivore approach.

🥡 Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Keep it cold until serving.

Meal Prep

Divide into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

I like making it Sunday evening so I have a quick protein-packed lunch ready to grab.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the mayonnaise and sour cream can separate and become watery after thawing.

📊 Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

Based on 6 servings:

Calories: 430

Protein: 46g

Fat: 25g

Carbohydrates: 4g

Fiber: 0g

Net Carbs: 4g

Sodium: 850mg

Nutrition information is approximate and will vary depending on the chicken, roast beef, mayonnaise, sour cream, and other ingredients used.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is this chicken salad carnivore?

It’s best described as carnivore-inspired because mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, horseradish, and seasonings may not fit every strict carnivore approach.

For a stricter version, use only ingredients that fit your personal definition of carnivore.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe extremely quick.

Remove the skin and bones, shred the meat, and you’re ready to go.

Can I use deli roast beef?

Yes. Choose a high-quality roast beef with minimal added ingredients if you’re trying to keep the recipe as animal-based as possible.

Can I use leftover pot roast?

Definitely. Leftover pot roast is excellent in this recipe.

How much horseradish should I use?

Start with 2 tablespoons. Add more if you want a stronger, spicier flavor.

Can I add bacon?

Yes! Crispy bacon is one of my favorite additions.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely. Cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss, or provolone all work nicely.

How long does it last in the refrigerator?

Store it properly refrigerated in an airtight container for about 3–4 days.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. In fact, I recommend it. The flavors become even better after several hours in the refrigerator.

💚 Final Thoughts

This High Protein Carnivore Roast Beef Horseradish Loaded Chicken Salad started as a simple experiment and turned into something I make regularly.

I love recipes like this because they don’t require a lot of fuss.

I made it for my family last weekend, and everyone loved it. I thought I was preparing lunches for several days, but the container seemed to get smaller every time someone opened the refrigerator.

The combination of tender chicken, savory roast beef, creamy dressing, and sharp horseradish is just so satisfying.

I especially make this when I’m busy or stressed because it can be prepared ahead of time and pulled straight from the refrigerator whenever I’m hungry.

And on weekends when I’m feeling happy and have more time, I’ll add crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and extra cheese and turn it into a huge loaded platter.

It’s hearty.

It’s creamy.

It’s packed with protein.

And it’s the kind of simple meal that makes eating well feel easy.