Description
A fresh and flavorful Pesto Chicken Salad combining tender diced chicken with aromatic basil pesto, crunchy celery, toasted pine nuts, and a hint of parmesan, perfect for a light lunch or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups diced chicken
- 2 celery ribs diced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced chicken, diced celery, diced red onion, toasted pine nuts, basil pesto, and mayonnaise. Stir the ingredients together until everything is well combined and the chicken is evenly coated with the pesto mixture.
- Season the Salad: Add ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to the bowl, then stir again to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the salad.
- Serve or Chill: You can enjoy the Pesto Chicken Salad immediately for a fresh and flavorful meal, or cover and refrigerate it for later use to allow flavors to meld. Optionally, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the salad before serving for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Use shredded chicken instead of diced for a different texture.
- Toast pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor.
- The salad can be served on its own, over greens, or as a sandwich filling.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
