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Pesto Chicken Salad

This pesto chicken salad recipe is fresh, creamy, and full of vibrant basil flavor. It combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and basil pesto with a light, creamy dressing for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe is ready in just 15 minutes and is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: lounch
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup cucumber diced
  • ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup basil pesto
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts optional

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, stir together the basil pesto, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Add the cooked chicken, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Pour the pesto dressing over the salad.
  4. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts, if using.
  6. Serve immediately on its own, with crusty bread, or in a wrap.

Notes

  • Use a good-quality basil pesto since it is the main flavor in the dressing. Homemade pesto also works well if you have it.
  • Let cooked chicken cool completely before mixing it with the dressing to keep the salad fresh and prevent the greens from wilting.
  • Toast the pine nuts for 2 to 3 minutes in a dry skillet to bring out their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
  • If making the salad ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving for the best texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh greens and pesto, this salad is best enjoyed soon after it's made.