Easy Pesto Chicken Salad
A fresh and flavorful chicken salad tossed in a creamy, herb packed pesto dressing.
recipesbynani.comThis is one of my favorite go to recipes when I need a quick lunch that still feels special. The combination of tender chicken and bright pesto is always a hit with my family because it is so satisfying without being too heavy.
My best tip is to use rotisserie chicken if you are in a rush. It saves a lot of time and makes this meal come together in just a few minutes, which is perfect for busy weekdays.
🧺 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, roasted red peppers, and diced red onion.
- 2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto and mayonnaise until smooth.
- 3
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- 4
Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- 5
Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves before serving.
💡 Tips
You can serve this salad inside lettuce wraps for a low carb option or on top of toasted sourdough bread for a hearty sandwich. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
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