This Easy Pesto Chicken Salad is perfect for a quick lunch! It has juicy chicken, creamy pesto, and crunchy veggies all mixed together for a tasty treat.
I love to eat this on a warm piece of toast or in a wrap. It’s quick to make, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Who doesn’t love easy and yummy? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, as it’s already cooked and flavorful. If you prefer, leftover grilled chicken or poached chicken breast works well too!
Basil Pesto: Store-bought pesto is delightful, but you can make your own if you’re up for it! Another option is to use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different twist. Dairy-free or nut-free versions are available too.
Celery: This adds a crisp texture. If you don’t have celery, try diced bell peppers or cucumbers as a fresh substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan is great, feel free to swap it with Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor and fewer calories. If you’re avoiding dairy, use vegan mayo or even avocado for creaminess.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad is Well Mixed?
Mixing ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite is bursting with flavor! Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start by mixing the chicken and celery first, ensuring they’re combined.
- Add in the pesto and mayonnaise (or your alternative), and use a spatula to fold gently. This keeps the chicken from getting mushy while mixing.
- Incorporate the Parmesan cheese last and mix until it’s evenly distributed.
Mixing carefully will give your salad a great texture and flavor throughout. Enjoy your delicious Easy Pesto Chicken Salad!
Easy Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Lunch
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare. Perfect for a quick lunch on busy days! Just mix, serve, and enjoy—it’s that easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken and Celery:
In a large mixing bowl, start by adding the shredded or chopped cooked chicken. Then, toss in the diced celery. This combination gives the salad a great crunch!
2. Add the Pesto and Creaminess:
Next, pour in the prepared basil pesto along with the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt). Using a spatula, mix everything together thoroughly until the chicken and celery are evenly coated in the delicious pesto and creamy goodness.
3. Cheese and Seasoning:
Now, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in gently, and season your chicken salad with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. This step enhances all the flavors, so make it to your liking!
4. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the chicken salad into a serving bowl. For a lovely touch, garnish the top with extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. This not only looks great but also adds a nice fresh flavor!
5. Enjoy!
Your Easy Pesto Chicken Salad is ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, piled onto salad greens, sandwiched between bread, or wrapped up in a tortilla. Perfect for a quick and tasty lunch!
FAQ for Easy Pesto Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute, adding creaminess with fewer calories. For a dairy-free alternative, try using avocado or vegan mayo!
How Long Will This Chicken Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your Easy Pesto Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Can I Add More Veggies to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or cucumbers for added crunch and flavor! Just remember to adjust the seasoning if needed.
