Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad

$To make a tasty creamy pesto chicken salad, you’ll need these ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The best chicken for this salad is tender and juicy. I recommend using cooked chicken breast. You can poach, grill, or roast it. Rotisserie chicken works great too. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred or chop it before mixing with the other ingredients. To make your salad even better, consider adding more ingredients. Here are some fun options: - Avocado for creaminess - Spinach or arugula for greens - Feta cheese for a salty kick - Bell peppers for crunch - Sun-dried tomatoes for a rich flavor Mix and match these add-ins to create your perfect salad! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of cooked chicken breast that you have shredded. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of pesto. You can use either homemade or store-bought. Next, add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. Mix all these ingredients well. You want the chicken to be coated evenly with the pesto, yogurt, and mayonnaise. This creates a creamy base that will hold everything together. Now, it’s time to add some crunch and color. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. They add a nice sweetness. Next, add 1/2 cup of diced cucumber for extra freshness. Then, include 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion for a bit of zing. Finally, add 1/4 cup of roughly chopped walnuts for a tasty crunch. Gently fold the ingredients together. Make sure not to mash the tomatoes or cucumber. You want those pieces to stay intact for texture. Now that your salad is mixed, it’s time to season it. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust it based on what you like. Once seasoned, cover the bowl. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors blend together. The salad will become creamier and more delicious. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good mix again. Then, transfer it to a serving platter or individual bowls. For the final touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. To get the creamiest texture, use a mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. This blend gives a rich and smooth base. You can adjust the ratio to your taste. If you want it creamier, add more mayo. If you prefer a healthier option, add more yogurt. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and enhances the creaminess. You can easily change ingredients to fit your diet. For a dairy-free option, use avocado instead of yogurt and mayo. Cooked chickpeas can replace chicken for a vegan version. If you need gluten-free, check the pesto label. Store-bought pesto may contain gluten. Making your own ensures it meets your needs. To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Always refrigerate the salad right after serving. If you notice any changes in smell or color, throw it out. To enjoy the salad later, remember to mix well before serving again. Fresh basil should be added just before serving to keep it vibrant. Pro Tips Store Chicken Properly: Make sure to use cooked chicken that has been stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 days for freshness and safety. Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to swap out the pesto for a different flavor, such as sun-dried tomato or arugula, to give the salad a unique twist. Add More Crunch: Incorporate other nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture, or consider using crispy bacon for a savory flavor boost. Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week. {{image_2}} To make a Mediterranean twist, add olives and feta cheese. Both add a salty kick. Use sun-dried tomatoes for a rich flavor. You can swap regular pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto for more zest. This version shines with colors and tastes, making your salad pop! Fruits can really brighten your chicken salad. Try adding diced apples or grapes. Both lend a nice crunch and sweetness. You can also add sliced strawberries for a fresh, fruity taste. This sweet twist balances the savory pesto and makes every bite exciting. Want a lighter dish? Swap Greek yogurt for low-fat yogurt. You can skip the mayonnaise for fewer calories too. Instead of walnuts, use chopped celery for crunch. This gives you a fresh feel while keeping the taste. You’ll enjoy a creamy salad without the extra calories. Each serving of creamy pesto chicken salad has about 350 calories. This dish gives you a good blend of protein, fat, and carbs. Here’s the breakdown: - Protein: 30 grams - Fat: 20 grams - Carbohydrates: 10 grams - Fiber: 2 grams This mix makes it filling and tasty. The healthy fats come from the pesto and walnuts. They add flavor while keeping your heart happy. The key ingredients in this salad provide many health benefits. - Chicken: This is a great protein source. It helps build muscle and keeps you full. - Pesto: Made from basil, it has antioxidants. Basil can help fight inflammation. - Greek Yogurt: This adds protein and probiotics. Probiotics are good for gut health. - Walnuts: They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are good for your brain. - Cherry Tomatoes: These are low in calories but high in vitamins. They also have lycopene, which is good for your heart. Together, these ingredients make a balanced meal. Compared to other chicken salad recipes, this one stands out. Many chicken salads use a lot of mayo. This recipe uses Greek yogurt, which is healthier. It lowers the calorie count and adds protein. Some salads add sugar or sweeteners. This recipe has natural flavors from fresh ingredients. You get a fresher taste without added sugars. The creamy pesto gives it a unique twist. This style is not only tasty but also better for your health. Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and use it in the salad. Rotisserie chicken is tender and juicy. This makes it a perfect base for creamy pesto chicken salad. You’ll end up with a quick and tasty meal. This salad lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in a tight container to keep it fresh. The flavors will deepen as it sits, but be aware of the veggies. They may lose some crunch over time. Always check for freshness before eating. Yes, this salad is gluten-free. All the ingredients used do not contain gluten. Just ensure your pesto and mayonnaise are gluten-free as well. If you are buying them, check the labels. Enjoy this salad worry-free, perfect for gluten-sensitive diets. This blog post covered how to make a great chicken salad. You learned about the best ingredients, types of chicken, and fun add-ins. Step-by-step instructions guided you through mixing, adding veggies, and seasoning. Useful tips showed you how to get a creamy texture and store leftovers safely. You also explored tasty variations and learned valuable nutritional info. Chicken salad can be both delicious and healthy. Make it your own with these ideas! Enjoy creating your perfect dish.$

A delicious and creamy chicken salad with pesto, perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 40

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
0.5 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
0.5 cup Greek yogurt
0.25 cup mayonnaise
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup cucumber, diced
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.25 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pesto, Greek yogurt, and mayonnaise. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
Add in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and walnuts. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring even distribution without mashing the tomatoes or cucumber.
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This will enhance the creaminess and depth of taste.
When ready to serve, give the salad a good mix again, then transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Refrigerating the salad enhances the flavors.

Keyword chicken salad, healthy, pesto