If you're looking for a flavorful and easy recipe that’s perfect for meal prep, this Pesto Chicken Salad is about to become your new favorite dish. With just 6 simple ingredients, it's a delicious, protein-packed dish that will keep you coming back for more.
This easy pesto chicken salad is about to become your new favorite summer meal! This simple dish combines the classic flavors of traditional chicken salad with bright and herbaceous basil pesto. Whether you're using rotisserie chicken or cooking your own skinless chicken breasts, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal.
Packed with protein, healthy fats, and flavor, this is the ultimate chicken salad. This creamy pesto chicken salad is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed in different ways - as a sandwich, on top of salad greens, in a grain bowl, or even in lettuce wraps. It's delicious on my low-carb 3-ingredient avocado bread too!
For convenience, I use store-bought pesto in this recipe but it's the perfect way to use up homemade pesto if you have it. You can also try my delicious pesto rosso, which is made with sun-dried tomatoes.
Looking for more chicken salad recipes? Try my chicken salad with grapes and almonds or my curry chicken salad.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Healthy: Packed with protein and healthy fats from chicken, Greek yogurt and olive oil-based pesto.
- Quick and Easy: This easy pesto chicken salad recipe has only 6 simple ingredients and minimal prep time- perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a sandwich, on top of a salad, in lettuce wraps, or as part of a grain bowl. You can even enjoy it with crackers or veggie sticks.
- Flavorful: The basil pesto provides a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor, making this chicken salad super flavorful.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Makes for an easy lunch recipe and stores well in the fridge. Check out my post on healthy high-protein lunches for more ideas.
Doctor's Tips
- This pesto chicken salad is packed with 20 grams of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- To boost the nutritional profile of the dish, I replace most of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt, which adds a boost of protein, probiotics, and calcium. It also gives a creamy texture and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the pesto. Read my post on the nutritional benefits of Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full ingredient list.
- Chicken: You can use leftover chicken breast or rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
- Pesto: For convenience, I use store-bought pesto in this recipe but if you have homemade pesto, this is a great way to use it!
- Greek Yogurt: Use plain nonfat or 2% Greek yogurt for creaminess and added protein. Regular yogurt or sour cream can be substituted.
- Mayonnaise: I use a small amount of mayo to help bind the chicken salad together and add that classic chicken salad flavor.
- Shallot: Finely chopped shallot adds a mild onion flavor. You can substitute red onion or scallions (green onion) if desired.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the salad.
- Optional Mix-Ins: You can add other ingredients like chopped celery, apples, or nuts like almonds or pine nuts. You can also stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, dried cranberries or cheese like parmesan or feta.
How To Make Pesto Chicken Salad Step-By-Step
See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Step 1- Shred or dice the chicken into bite-size pieces. Add it to a large bowl along with the pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, shallot, and lemon juice.
- Step 2- Mix until smooth. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Chef's Tips
- I use store-bought pesto for convenience but you can use homemade pesto; it's a great way to use up fresh basil in the summer. You can also try my delicious sun-dried tomato pesto (pesto rosso).
- You can cook your own chicken breast or use rotisserie chicken as a short-cut. I like cooking chicken breast in the air fryer- it gives perfectly juicy chicken. I cook thin-cut breasts at 360°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch and use it in sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls throughout the week. It's also a great snack paired with crackers or veggies.
- Use this chicken salad recipe as a base and stir in your favorite ingredients. See "Recipe Variations" section below for some ideas.
Recipe Variations
You can add your favorite ingredients to this pesto chicken salad recipe for extra flavor and texture. Here are some ideas:
- Stir in some chopped celery for crunch.
- Add some nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts or pine nuts.
- For a Mediterranean flair, add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers or olives.
- For a touch of sweetness, stir in diced apple, grapes, or dried cranberries.
- Add some grated parmesan cheese or feta cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
How to Serve This Dish
While this pesto chicken salad is delicious on its own, you can easily transform it into a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Make a sandwich with whole-grain bread or a pita, or make a wrap with a whole-grain tortilla. This will add complex carbohydrates and fiber. If you're on a keto diet, you can use my 3-ingredient avocado bread.
- Grain Bowl: Mix the chicken salad with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro to create a hearty grain bowl. Top with some fresh veggies for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Salad Greens: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach. Add colorful veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for a burst of vitamins and minerals.
- Veggie Sticks: Pair the pesto chicken salad with crunchy veggie sticks like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips.
- Cucumber slices: Top cucumber slices with the chicken salad for a delicious low-carb snack or appetizer for parties.
- Lettuce Wraps: Scoop into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, crunchy wrap.
- Stuffed Avocado: Fill halved avocados with the pesto chicken salad for a delightful and visually appealing meal.
Recipe FAQs
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Yes, you can use homemade pesto in this recipe for an even fresher flavor. You can also try my pesto rosso, which is made with sun-dried tomatoes.
Yes, chicken thighs have a rich flavor and juicy texture and can be used in place of breasts.
Yes. To make this recipe dairy free, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt and use a dairy-free pesto.
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Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) shredded chicken breast (about 10 oz)
- ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons plain nonfat or 2% Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (I use avocado oil mayonnaise)
- 1 shallot finely chopped (¼ cup) (can substitute onion or scallions)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Optional mix-ins:
- chopped celery, almonds, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, diced apples, grapes, feta cheese, parmesan cheese
Notes
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Make a sandwich with whole-grain bread or a pita, or make a wrap with a whole-grain tortilla.
- Grain Bowl: Mix the chicken salad with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro to create a hearty grain bowl. Top with some fresh veggies/
- Salad Greens: Serve on a bed of mixed greens or spinach and add colorful veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
- Veggie Sticks: Pair the pesto chicken salad with crunchy veggie sticks like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips.
- Cucumber slices: Top cucumber slices with the chicken salad for a delicious low-carb snack or appetizer for parties.
- Lettuce Wraps: Scoop into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, crunchy wrap.
- Stuffed Avocado: Fill halved avocados with the pesto chicken salad for a delightful and visually appealing meal.
Robert R. Adkins says
Refreshing and flavorful! Your take on pesto chicken salad adds a delightful twist to a classic dish. I also tried it at home.
Dr. Sonali Ruder says
Thank you! So happy you liked it!