Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe
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.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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