Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - ½ cup red onion, finely chopped - ½ cup mayonnaise - ¼ cup basil pesto - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste In this salad, cooked chicken breast is the star. It adds protein and makes the dish hearty. I use shredded chicken for a tender bite. Then, I mix in fresh vegetables for color and crunch. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while cucumber adds crispness. The red onion gives a mild kick. Next, we need the creamy dressing. I combine mayonnaise with basil pesto for a rich flavor. The lemon juice brightens it up. This mixture creates a smooth and tasty coating for the salad. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. - ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish If you want extra texture, try adding toasted pine nuts. They bring a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They also enhance the pesto flavor and add a pop of color. These optional ingredients can take your salad to the next level. {{ingredient_image_1}} Shredding the Chicken Start with two cups of cooked chicken breast. Use your hands or two forks to shred it into small pieces. Make sure the chicken is cool to touch for easy handling. This chicken gives the salad a nice base and adds protein. Chopping and Dicing the Vegetables Next, take one cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. This adds a sweet and juicy bite. Then, grab one cup of cucumber and dice it into small cubes. Lastly, finely chop half a cup of red onion. The onion adds flavor and crunch to the salad. Combining Main Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped red onion. Mix them gently to ensure even distribution. This step sets the stage for a colorful and tasty salad. Preparing the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together half a cup of mayonnaise, a quarter cup of basil pesto, and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix until smooth. The dressing brings all the flavors together and adds creaminess to the salad. Coating the Salad with Dressing Pour the creamy dressing over your chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything together. Make sure each piece is coated well with the dressing. This helps every bite taste amazing. Refrigeration for Flavor Development Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate your salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. The wait will be worth it when you taste your fresh salad! To make a great creamy pesto dressing, start by whisking the ingredients well. Use a small bowl for mixing. I like to use a fork or a whisk. This helps blend the mayonnaise, basil pesto, and lemon juice. It should be smooth and creamy. If it looks clumpy, keep whisking. Lemon juice is key for balance. It adds a fresh note to the rich dressing. Use about one tablespoon. Taste as you go and adjust if needed. A little more lemon can brighten up the flavors. Toasting pine nuts adds a nice crunch. Place them in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir often and watch closely. They toast quickly and can burn fast. Once they are golden, remove them from the heat. Let them cool before adding to the salad. You can change the flavor by swapping ingredients. If you want a nut-free option, skip the pine nuts. Try sunflower seeds or walnuts instead. For a herb twist, add a bit of chopped parsley or cilantro. Adjust the recipe to fit your taste! Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. It saves time and adds great flavor! Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Bell peppers, avocados, or even spinach can enhance the salad. Make It Ahead: Preparing this salad a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Garnish for Presentation: Adding fresh basil leaves not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing. A sprinkle of extra pine nuts on top adds a nice crunch! {{image_2}} You can change up your creamy pesto chicken salad by adding different proteins or veggies. For protein, try shrimp or tofu. Shrimp adds a nice, light flavor. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. Both will give you a new twist. For veggies, consider adding avocado or bell peppers. Avocado makes the salad creamier and richer. Bell peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness. These options can help make your salad unique and tasty. If you want to make the salad lighter, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Greek yogurt is creamy and adds protein. It also cuts calories without losing flavor. For gluten-free options, check your mayonnaise and pesto labels. Some brands may have gluten. Choose ones that are certified gluten-free to keep your salad safe and delicious. To keep your creamy pesto chicken salad fresh, use airtight containers. This way, it stays tasty and safe to eat. Make sure the container seals well to avoid air getting in. Store your salad in the fridge right after serving. It can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. While freezing is not the best option for this salad, you can do it if needed. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the salad will expand when it freezes. For safe thawing, move it to the fridge overnight before serving. This will help maintain flavor and texture. However, expect some changes in the salad after freezing, especially with the veggies. Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad lasts about three to four days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Avoid leaving it out for long periods. If the salad looks or smells off, it is best to discard it. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and is convenient. However, homemade pesto often has fresher flavors and can be healthier. Store-bought options may contain preservatives. If you choose homemade, you can adjust the taste to your liking. You can serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad with various side dishes. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up the salad. - Mixed greens: A simple side salad adds freshness. - Chips or crackers: Great for a crunchy contrast. - Fruit salad: A sweet touch to balance the flavors. These pairings enhance your meal and make it more enjoyable. In this post, I covered how to make a creamy pesto chicken salad. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, fresh veggies, and dressing. Then, I provided step-by-step instructions for preparation, mixing, and final assembly. Tips for making the perfect dressing and enhancing flavor followed. Variations included adding proteins and making dietary adjustments. Finally, I shared storage info and answered common questions. With these insights, you can create a delicious salad that suits your taste. Let your creativity flow and enjoy your cooking!$

Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad

A delicious and refreshing chicken salad with creamy pesto dressing.

Print Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup basil pesto
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, basil pesto, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
Pour the creamy pesto mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If desired, fold in the toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.

Keyword chicken salad, creamy, pesto, salad