Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Pesto Chicken Salad is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Combining tender chicken with vibrant pesto and fresh greens, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy a healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken and pesto, mixing until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Step 2: Arrange the mixed greens on a serving plate or bowl. Top with the pesto-coated chicken and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the salad.
- Step 3: Serve immediately as a fresh and flavorful meal.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding toasted pine nuts or shaved Parmesan for extra texture and flavor.
- Use grilled chicken for a smoky taste or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap mixed greens with arugula or spinach for a different leafy base.
Storage
Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pesto chicken gently if desired, but keep the greens and tomatoes chilled to maintain freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well and saves time, but homemade pesto can add a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely. Keep the pesto chicken and salad greens separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.
PrintPesto Chicken Salad Recipe
A fresh and flavorful Pesto Chicken Salad featuring tender chicken tossed in vibrant pesto sauce, served over a bed of mixed greens and juicy cherry tomatoes. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix with pesto: In a bowl, combine the chicken with the basil pesto, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the mixed greens on a serving plate or bowl, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the greens, and then top with the pesto-coated chicken.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately as a fresh and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- You can substitute store-bought pesto or make your own for a fresher taste.
- Add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch if desired.
- For a low-carb option, keep the recipe as is or add avocado slices.
Keywords: Pesto Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad, Pesto Salad, Healthy Lunch, Italian Salad, Easy Salad Recipe
