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Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe

4.6 from 139 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Pesto Chicken Salad featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with fresh cherry tomatoes, leafy greens, and aromatic pesto for a quick and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

Pesto

  • 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or lettuce)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Prepare chicken by cooking it thoroughly using your preferred method such as boiling, baking, or pan-searing until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it cool slightly before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the basil pesto, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
  3. Add Vegetables and Toss: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and mixed greens to the bowl. Gently toss all ingredients together until well mixed and the greens are lightly coated with pesto.
  4. Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls and enjoy immediately as a fresh, healthy meal.

Notes

  • For a lighter salad, use a low-fat or homemade pesto.
  • To add crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
  • Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
  • Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a more filling meal.

Keywords: Pesto chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, healthy chicken salad, basil pesto, cherry tomato salad