Name: Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1/3 cup red onion, diced; 1/3 cup celery, diced; 1/4 cup avocado oil mayonnaise; 2 cups fresh basil, packed; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1 lemon, juiced; 2 garlic cloves; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 tsp sea salt; Dash of black pepper; 1 tbsp water

Jump to Recipe·4 from 3 reviews

If you are craving something fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. With tender shredded chicken tossed in a vibrant homemade pesto that combines fresh basil, pine nuts, and lemon, every bite bursts with a perfect balance of herbaceous brightness and savory richness. The crunch of red onion and celery adds a delightful texture contrast, while creamy avocado oil mayo brings it all together smoothly. Whether you’re packing lunch or serving an effortless dinner, this salad is a total winner that feels both gourmet and simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy mix of shredded white chicken and green pesto sauce, creating a thick, textured appearance with visible strands of chicken coated in a smooth green mixture. The top is garnished with two fresh basil leaves, adding a bright dark green contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh, and vibrant ingredients is the heart of this recipe. Each component plays a key role in building the layered taste and varied texture that makes this dish so irresistible.

Shredded rotisserie chicken: Offers tender, ready-to-use protein packed with flavor and convenience.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements.
Celery: Brings a fresh, crisp crunch that keeps every spoonful lively.
Avocado oil mayo: Gives richness without heaviness and lends a subtly buttery texture.
Fresh basil: The star herb that infuses the homemade pesto with aromatic, fresh green notes.
Pine nuts: Provide a creamy nuttiness that’s classic in traditional pesto recipes.
Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that wakes up the flavors and balances richness.
Garlic cloves: Impart a warm, pungent depth that’s essential in pesto.
Grated parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, umami richness that rounds out the pesto perfectly.
Olive oil: Smoothly blends the pesto ingredients and adds silky texture.
Sea salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Water: Used sparingly to help adjust pesto consistency to the perfect creamy but not watery texture.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Shred the rotisserie chicken

Start by taking your rotisserie chicken and shredding it into bite-sized pieces. This is the easy part that saves loads of time while giving you juicy, tender chicken ready to soak up that delicious pesto.

Step 2: Prepare the homemade basil pesto

In a food processor, combine fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic cloves, grated parmesan, water, sea salt, and pepper. Blend until it forms a smooth and creamy pesto. This is where the magic happens: fresh, vibrant, and packed with the flavors that make this Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe stand out.

Step 3: Mix the salad ingredients

Grab a large bowl, then add your shredded chicken, diced red onion, celery, creamy avocado oil mayo, and the freshly made pesto. Stir everything together gently to ensure every piece of chicken is coated and bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Combine and chill

Once mixed well, you can enjoy the salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for a bit. Chilling helps the flavors marry beautifully and intensifies the freshness of your Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Now that your Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe is ready, it’s time to enjoy! Whether you scoop it onto a wrap, pile it over greens, or enjoy it straight from the bowl, this salad never disappoints.

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a green shredded mixture that looks creamy and herb-filled, topped with small pieces of chopped red onion adding a pop of purple and white. The texture is soft and fluffy, with visible strands and bits of the mixture well-mixed together. A black spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface, with a white cloth and some green herbs out of focus in the background. In the distant background, there is a blurry white plate holding rolled wraps. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some extra pine nuts or freshly grated parmesan on top for added texture and flavor boosts. A few torn basil leaves can also add a gorgeous pop of green and fresh aroma that make your dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, warm pita, or a light side of roasted veggies. For a fulfilling meal, consider serving it alongside a simple tomato and mozzarella salad or a bowl of seasonal fruit to bring in sweetness and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, use the Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe as a filling for avocado halves or stuff it into hollowed-out tomatoes. It also makes a fabulous topping for crostini or a fresh, vibrant sandwich spread that your friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

Because this salad contains mayo and fresh herbs, freezing isn’t recommended as it can affect the texture and flavor. Instead, prepare fresh pesto separately if you want to freeze it and mix it with fresh chicken later.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If needed, you can let it come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and soften the mayo slightly.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken breast works just as well, although rotisserie chicken adds a little extra flavor and convenience that makes this recipe quick and tasty.

Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes. Simply omit the parmesan cheese in the pesto and choose a dairy-free mayo. You’ll still get plenty of creamy, herby flavor from the other ingredients.

How long does the Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it fantastic for meal prep or easy weekday lunches.

Can I prepare the pesto ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the pesto up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge in a sealed container. Just give it a quick stir and add it when assembling the salad.

What are some good alternatives to pine nuts?

Walnuts, almonds, or cashews make great substitutes and still provide that lovely nutty depth to your homemade pesto for the Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and effortless, perfect for any season or occasion. The fresh pesto breathes new life into a classic chicken salad, and the combination of creamy, crunchy, and herby elements is truly irresistible. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and fall in love with it just like I have—it’s pure joy in every bite!

Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need