Name: Quick and Easy Pesto Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (Rotisserie chicken is preferred for convenience.); 1/2 cup pesto (Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.); 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (Greek yogurt adds protein; use mayonnaise for a richer taste.); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (Can substitute with other tomatoes or diced red peppers.); 1/2 cup diced cucumbers (Substitute with bell peppers or celery if desired.); 1/4 cup red onion, chopped (Finely chop to avoid overpowering the salad.); to taste salt and pepper (Season to taste.); Fresh basil leaves for garnish (Optional, adds aromatic flavor.)

This incredibly delicious Quick and Easy Pesto Chicken Salad comes together in about 15 minutes and requires no baking at all! It’s a quick and easy meal your family will absolutely love! Switch up the veggies and proteins to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, who doesn’t need a go-to recipe that can be customizable, quick, and satisfying? Let’s dive in!

Ingredient Breakdown

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup pesto
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup diced cucumbers
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken and pesto until the chicken is evenly coated. (About 1 minute should do the trick!)
Add in your choice of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and mix until completely combined. You want it all to come together beautifully! This should take another minute.
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and red onion. Fold everything together gently so those lovely textures stay intact. (This will take about 2 minutes.)
Season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. Don’t be shy!
Serve over a bed of fresh greens or in a sandwich, garnished with fresh basil leaves. You’ll want to dig in right away!

And just like that, you’ve created a satisfying weeknight meal in under 15 minutes! Don’t forget to enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Why I Love This Recipe

I can’t help but call this my go-to recipe for when I’m in a pinch! On a busy weeknight, when the kids (or I!) are hangry, this pesto chicken salad always saves the day! The best part is it’s comfort food that doesn’t require extensive prep time! Honestly, I’m a real sucker for quick and flavorful meals, and this one absolutely delivers. Plus, you can really use whatever you’ve got on hand, it’s all about creativity in the kitchen, right?

If you loved this pesto chicken salad, be sure to check out my Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad, my Gluten-Free Italian Pasta Salad, or my Easy Cucumber Carrot Salad! Each one is perfect for keeping your weeknight meals fresh and exciting!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This comes together in under 15 minutes! It’s the perfect meal for those nights when you need something quick.

Customizable

You can toss in any veggies or proteins you have lying around. I love this flexibility! It’s a great way to clean out the fridge.

Crowd-Pleaser

This flavorful chicken salad is packed with goodness, your family won’t even realize they’re eating healthy! Kids adore the creamy texture and it’s easily packed for lunches.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Whip this up at the beginning of the week, and it’ll last in the fridge for a few days. Perfect for meal prep!

Comfort Food

It’s loaded with tons of flavor and very satisfying. Each bite feels like a warm hug!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Pesto Chicken Salad

This salad is super versatile! Try it:

Over a mix of greens for a delicious and light meal.
In a wrap with your favorite tortillas, it makes an excellent lunch!
On toasted bread for a quick sandwich!

Storage

You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It actually gets even better as the flavors meld!

Reheating Instructions

You can eat this cold or warm! If you prefer it warm, pop it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.

Freezer Friendly?

Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend freezing this chicken salad, as the veggies tend to get mushy once thawed. But trust me, you will finish it well before it even needs freezing!

Cooking shouldn’t be stressful, and with this Quick and Easy Pesto Chicken Salad, I hope you feel inspired to whip something delicious together easily! Whether you’re packing lunches for the kiddos or need a quick dinner solution, you’ll find this recipe fits right into your life.

So grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking! Happy eating, friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!