Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Pesto Chicken Salad featuring tender diced chicken mixed with celery, red onion, toasted pine nuts, and a creamy basil pesto dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner option.
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 to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced chicken, diced celery, diced red onion, toasted pine nuts, basil pesto, mayonnaise, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix Well: Stir together all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the basil pesto and well combined.
- Serve or Chill: Enjoy the salad immediately or cover and refrigerate it for later to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use shredded chicken as an alternative to diced for a different texture.
- Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adding freshly grated parmesan can boost flavor but is optional.
- Serve on a bed of mixed greens or as a sandwich filling for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
