Pesto Chicken Salad is a new, fresh twist on a classic recipe and the taste is to die for! Packed with tender rotisserie chicken, a rich blend of pesto and mayo, satisfying crunch from fresh veggies, and brightened with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. This delicious salad has herby, savory, creamy and slightly tangy flavor packed into every single bite! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying family meal everyone will love.
Chicken salad is a staple in my refrigerator, especially in the summer! It’s the perfect high protein go-to for all the hungry people in my family. Need a snack? Chicken salad and crackers! Need a quick lunch? Chicken salad wrap! Need a little something on the go? Chicken salad sandwich! There are so many variations of chicken salad; rotisserie, Mexican, curry, with fruit, without fruit, and so many different ways to enjoy it! This pesto version is a delicious spin on the traditional chicken salad and shines with bright, fresh flavors.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- High protein – A meal filled with tender, light chicken is always a great option.
- Easy meal prep – Chicken salad is so easy to make and then measure out into individual servings and store separately in the fridge for grab and go meal prepping.
- Served so many ways – Sandwiches, lettuce wraps, stuffed in an avocado, with fresh veggies- there are so many ways to enjoy this chicken salad.
- Family-friendly – This is a kid-approved, family-friendly recipe that is always a win in our home.
Recipe Notes
This Pesto Chicken Salad recipe is as simple as promised! Just 10 minutes of prep, then let chill until you’re ready to enjoy for a family friendly lunch or light dinner.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make this homemade chicken salad recipe to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Shredded or diced chicken – You can use any kind of neutral flavored chicken. Chicken thighs and chicken breast both work great. My favorite is simply to buy a cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Diced celery – Chop into small, bite-size pieces.
- Frozen peas – Grab frozen peas and then thaw them. Canned peas won’t work well with this recipe.
- Yellow onion – Finely dice this onion so it mixes well into the salad. You could also use red onion.
- Mayonnaise – You could substitute plain greek yogurt to increase the protein of this chicken salad.
- Pesto – Grab your favorite brand of prepared pesto.
- Lemon juice – Squeezing a fresh lemon will you give you the brightest, fresh flavor.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Italian Pesto Chicken Salad– Add 1/4 cup of diced sun-dried tomatoes to spin this recipe a bit more Italian.
- Extra Crunchy Pesto Chicken Salad– This creamy and tender chicken salad benefits from the crunch of the celery, onion and peas. To add more crunchy elements, diced red bell pepper & cucumber, even a sprinkle of pine nuts, would be delicious.
- Very Pesto Chicken Salad– I am a BIG fan of pesto! If you are too, feel free to add another spoonful of pesto and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese to the salad mixture to bring out that basil pesto chicken flavor.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make pesto chicken salad.
Add all ingredients to a large bowl
Stir to combine, then chill for at least 15-20 minutes.
Serve as desired. One option is in a baguette with fresh arugula,
Top with shredded parmesan cheese.
Recipe Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken – Rotisserie chicken is not only easy and convenient because you won’t have to take time to cook, but it also has better flavor and more moisture than plain chicken breasts.
- Thaw peas – Before adding the peas to the chicken salad, they need to be thawed so they don’t cause the salad to become watery. To speed up thawing, run frozen peas under cool water and pat them dry.
- Finely dice vegetables – Finely diced pieces of celery and onion will distribute more evenly into the mixed salad, so you can get a little crunch in every bite.
- Chill before serving – Allowing the mixed salad to chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, up to an hour, will meld the flavors together and become even more delicious.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Buy pre-diced veggies – You can find pre-diced onions and celery in the produce section of most grocery stores, This will save you on chopping time!
- Buy packaged shredded chicken – Some grocery stores are starting to carry cooked chicken that has been pulled off the bone or shredded for you. I’ve found it in prepared foods sections or often near the rotisserie chickens. This would really help this recipe come together fast!
- Prepare in advance – This recipe can be stored in the fridge up to 3 days before serving. Prep it when you have time, then keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This will also allow the flavors to meld together even more.
What to Serve with Pesto Chicken Salad
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of chicken and basil pesto, it will pair well with many of your favorite Italian side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Pesto Chicken Salad Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Baguette Sandwich– Scoop a spoonful of chicken salad into a baguette. Add your favorite leafy greens. My go-to is always arugula, but fresh spinach and romaine would also be delicious. Top with shredded or shaved parmesan cheese. This combo would also be great in a pita or wrapped in a tortilla.
- Hollowed Out Tomato– Place a scoop of chicken salad in a hollowed out tomato for a light and gluten free option. To help the tomatoes stand up, you can slice a small piece off the bottom to flatten it.
- Stuffed Avocado– Add a scoop of chicken salad to an avocado half for additional creaminess.
- Lettuce Wrap– Add a spoonful of chicken salad to a large lettuce leaf, such as Bibb lettuce, and top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- With Crackers or Fresh Veggies– Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables, such as sliced cucumbers, baby peppers cut in half or baby carrots,
Recipe FAQ’s
How long is prepared chicken salad good for?
Pesto chicken salad will stay good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Signs that it’s time to discard the leftovers are if it smells sour or off, discoloration, slimy texture, or of course signs of mold.
Should my chopped chicken be warm or cool when adding it to this recipe?
I recommend using chicken that has been cooked and then cooled completely. Warm chicken could separate the mayo and creamy pesto dressing.
More EASY Salad Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy salad recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Grinder Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Arugula Pear Salad
- Thai Style Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Mexican Chicken Salad
Pesto Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded or diced chicken, (I use rotisserie)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish (optional)
- freshly grated parmesan
- fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Mix to combine.
- Chill for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavors develop. Then serve as desired. Some of my favorite ways to serve Pesto Chicken Salad are:-In a baguette topped with parmesan-In a hollowed out tomato– with crackers-on a lettuce wrap drizzled with balsamic glaze-on cucumber slices
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