Description
This Pesto Lemon Chicken Salad is light, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor. Made with tender chicken, basil pesto, and zesty lemon, it’s the perfect quick lunch or easy meal prep recipe for warm days.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cook and shred (or dice) chicken breast, or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Mix Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together pesto, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and lemon zest until creamy and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, celery, onion, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy on a sandwich, salad, or wrap!
Notes
- Dry your chicken well before mixing to avoid watery salad.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter, tangier version.
- Homemade pesto adds unbeatable flavor, but a good-quality store-bought one works great too.
- Add crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pine nuts.
- Meal prep tip: Store in small airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes