This Pesto Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty pesto dressing. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
You can’t go wrong with a dish that packs flavor and is easy to whip up. I love throwing in extra cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Yum!
Making this salad is a breeze; just mix ingredients and serve! It’s great on its own or with some crunchy bread on the side. Enjoy the goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: For this recipe, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover grilled chicken. If you’re looking for a meat-free option, chickpeas or tofu work well too!
Pesto: Store-bought pesto saves time, but making homemade pesto with fresh basil, nuts, and olive oil adds a personal touch. If you don’t have nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be tasty substitutes.
Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt provides a healthy twist with extra protein. You can swap it with sour cream if you prefer. For a vegan option, use a plant-based yogurt or mayo.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty bite. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative or you can even omit it for a dairy-free version.
Fresh Greens: Arugula gives a peppery kick, but you could use spinach, kale, or mixed greens based on your preference. Each will bring its own unique flavor!
How Do I Make the Perfect Pesto Chicken Salad?
Making a delicious pesto chicken salad is simple, but there are a few tips to keep in mind. Start by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Combine chicken, pesto, Greek yogurt (or mayo), and Parmesan in a large bowl; the mixture should be creamy.
- Add the chopped green onions and diced celery for crunch. Don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens the flavors!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- For serving, arrange the salad over a bed of greens and garnish with lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.
If you let the salad sit for a bit, the flavors meld together beautifully! Enjoy your refreshing meal!
How to Make Pesto Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups fresh arugula or mixed greens, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s super quick and easy! You can enjoy it right away or let it chill in the fridge for a bit to enhance the flavors. It’s perfect for a busy day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pesto, Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), and grated Parmesan cheese. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well blended and creamy. This will be the tasty base for your salad!
2. Add the Crunchy Veggies:
Next, chop the green onions and dice the celery. Add them to the chicken mixture along with the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed and full of flavor! This adds a nice crunch to your salad.
3. Serve Your Salad:
Now it’s time to serve! Place a generous bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens on each plate. Spoon the pesto chicken mixture over the greens. For an extra touch, garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if you like.
4. Enjoy or Store:
Dig in and enjoy this delicious salad right away! If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 days. This will allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together even more. Serve it with some crusty bread or crackers for a delightful meal!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor. Just shred or cube the chicken as needed and mix it with the other ingredients. It’s a perfect option for quick meal prep!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise is a great alternative! You can also use sour cream or even a dairy-free yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter or lactose-free option. Just keep in mind that switching may slightly alter the flavor and creamiest texture of the salad.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The pesto chicken salad will be good for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients might separate a bit during storage!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding other chopped vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado for an extra creamy texture. Just ensure they are diced small enough to mix well with the other ingredients.
