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–+ servings

Pesto Chicken Salad

A refreshing and flavorful chicken salad featuring tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and crisp vegetables, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 1 cup pesto sauce Store-bought or homemade.
For the Salad
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Fresh and ripe for best flavor.
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced Peel if desired.
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced Any color bell pepper works.
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness.
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped For garnish and added flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin for best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed for brightness.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor.

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, and grill or sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the pesto sauce. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
Prepare the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.
  2. Add the pesto chicken mixture to the salad bowl and gently fold everything together until well mixed.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Serve
  1. Garnish the salad with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits.

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