Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe
A fresh and flavorful Pesto Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken with vibrant pesto, crisp greens, and juicy tomatoes for a quick and healthy meal option perfect for lunch or light dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Pesto
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil pesto
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Prepare the chicken by boiling, grilling, baking, or pan-cooking until fully cooked through and juices run clear, typically about 15-20 minutes depending on method. Allow it to cool slightly, then dice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss with Pesto: In a large bowl, combine the warm chicken with 3 tablespoons of fresh basil pesto. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the pesto sauce, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Assemble the Salad: Add 4 cups of mixed greens and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the pesto-coated chicken. Gently toss all ingredients together until the salad is well combined and coated.
- Serve: Divide the pesto chicken salad among serving plates or bowls and enjoy immediately. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.
- Classic basil pesto can be substituted with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
- For added crunch, top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Keywords: Pesto chicken salad, basil pesto salad, healthy chicken salad, easy lunch recipe, Italian chicken salad
Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/pesto-chicken-salad-recipe/
