If you love the fresh, herby flavors of basil pesto, this Basil Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to meal! It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with protein, making it perfect for an easy lunch, meal prep, or a quick dinner.
As a new mom of three little boys and a Registered Dietitian, quickly nourishing myself and my family is important. This recipe only takes 15 minutes to whip together a healthy lunch!
If you love easy lunches that you can meal prep, then try this dill pickle chicken salad, southwest shredded chicken salad, ground turkey taco salad, Greek grain bowl, and tzatziki chicken salad.
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INGREDIENTS
- Shredded Chicken Breast – A lean, protein-packed base that soaks up all the creamy, herby goodness. You can use freshly cooked, rotisserie, or leftover chicken for a quick and easy meal.
- Basil Pesto – The star of the show! This vibrant, garlicky sauce brings a burst of fresh basil flavor with a rich, nutty finish. Use homemade or store bought for convenience.
- Plain Greek Yogurt – A creamy, tangy alternative to mayo that keeps the salad light while adding a boost of protein and probiotics.
- Honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the savory pesto and tangy yogurt. Just a little goes a long way in rounding out the flavors.Lemon Juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up, cutting through the richness and enhancing all the flavors in each bite.
See recipe card for quantities.
HOW TO MAKE BASIL PESTO CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated and well blended. Spoon the pesto chicken salad onto your favorite bread for a sandwich, or serve with crackers for a tasty, snackable option. Enjoy!
Hint: Using freshly cooked and shredded chicken makes it the easiest to mix things together and taste its best!
VARIATIONS
Add onion - adding red onion would add some crunchy and bold flavor to this pesto chicken salad!
Top with fresh basil - honestly, fresh basil is always a good idea but it would be extra delicious to put on a sandwich with the chicken salad!
Sprinkle grated parmesan on top - when I think of pesto, I always associate it with parmesan cheese! Try topping your chicken salad with it.
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
- Dairy-free: Instead of using Greek yogurt, replace it with mayo or your favorite plain, dairy-free yogurt.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace the shredded chicken with crumbled tofu. Simply drain and press the tofu before crumbling!
NUTRITION
This pesto chicken salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with goodness! You’ve got lean protein from the chicken, heart-healthy fats from the olive oil, and an extra protein boost from creamy Greek yogurt. Win-win!
Want to take it up a notch? Skip the store-bought stuff and whip up your own basil pesto for an extra fresh, homemade touch. It’s easier than you think and totally worth it!
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MAKE SHREDDED CHICKEN?
My favorite way to make shredded chicken is by using the crockpot. I put two chicken breasts in the crockpot and about 1 cup of water. Cook on low for two hours. Once done, take out your hand mixer and shred the chicken.
STORAGE
Store any leftover pesto chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day! If the salad thickens up, give it a quick stir and add a splash of lemon juice or a little extra yogurt to freshen it up before serving.
Top tip
My favorite way to shred chicken breasts is by putting them in a bowl and using a hand mixer!
FAQ
Pesto is generally healthy but can be higher in fat. Olive oil is the fat used in pestos which contains heart-healthy properties. Even though olive oil is a healthy ingredient in nature, too much of it can lead to excess fat intake. So simply put, pesto is healthy in moderation!
I have a few different chicken salads! Check out my dill pickle chicken salad, southwest shredded chicken salad, and tzatziki chicken salad. They are all super flavorful and some of my favorite recipes on my blog!
I think there are a lot of good options for side dishes! Many people like to eat chicken salad on a sandwich. Some side dish ideas include: a small green salad, fruit, cheese platter, veggie platter, dill pickles, or kettle chips.
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Basil Pesto Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a large bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Add chicken salad to a sandwich or use crackers to scoop. Enjoy!
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