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Pesto chicken salad on a bed of lettuce in a white bowl with a gold spoon nearby.
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5 from 1 vote

Pesto Chicken Salad

With just 6 simple ingredients, this delicious, protein-packed chicken salad will keep you coming back for more. It's perfect for meal prep!
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: lunch, Salad, Sandwich
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Servings: 4
Calories: 214kcal
Author: Dr. Sonali Ruder

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (packed) shredded or diced chicken breast (about 10 oz)
  • ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 tablespoons plain nonfat or 2% Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (I use avocado oil mayonnaise)
  • 1 shallot finely chopped (¼ cup) (can substitute onion or scallions)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Optional mix-ins:

  • chopped celery, almonds, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, diced apples, grapes, feta cheese, parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix until combined. Stir in any optional ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. See Notes section below for ideas on how to serve this chicken salad.

Notes

  • I use store-bought pesto for convenience but you can use homemade pesto; it's a great way to use up fresh basil in the summer. You can also try my delicious sun-dried tomato pesto (pesto rosso).
  • You can cook your own chicken breast or use rotisserie chicken as a short-cut. I like cooking chicken breast in the air fryer- it gives perfectly juicy chicken. I cook thin-cut breasts at 360°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Here are some ideas for how to serve this pesto chicken salad:
    • Sandwiches or Wraps: Make a sandwich with whole-grain bread or a pita, or make a wrap with a whole-grain tortilla. 
    • Grain Bowl: Mix the chicken salad with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro to create a hearty grain bowl. Top with some fresh veggies/
    • Salad Greens: Serve on a bed of mixed greens or spinach and add colorful veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
    • Veggie Sticks or Crackers: Pair the pesto chicken salad with crunchy veggie sticks like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips or crackers.
    • Cucumber slices: Top cucumber slices with the chicken salad for a delicious low-carb snack or appetizer for parties.
    • Lettuce Wraps: Scoop into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, crunchy wrap.
    • Stuffed Avocado: Fill halved avocados with the pesto chicken salad for a delightful and visually appealing meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5 cup | Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 225mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg
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