This Easy Pesto Chicken Salad is about to become your next obsession! It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat for busy weekdays, summer picnics, or quick, satisfying lunches. Imagine juicy chicken tossed with vibrant, luscious pesto, a creamy duo of Greek yogurt and mayo, plus crunchy celery and red onion—all topped off with the irresistible crunch of toasted pine nuts. The flavors blend beautifully: the herby pesto perks up tender chicken, while the vegetables add fresh texture and color. Whether you need a leafy green lunch, a spread for sandwiches, or an effortless appetizer, Easy Pesto Chicken Salad has you covered!

Easy Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Easy Pesto Chicken Salad is how quickly it comes together using a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, crunch, and creaminess, making every bite harmonious and delicious.

Cooked chicken: Juicy and tender, shredded or diced chicken forms the heart of the salad and soaks up the pesto perfectly.
Pesto: Homemade or store-bought pesto delivers a fresh, garlicky punch and brings everything together with vibrant green color.
Mayonnaise: Adds classic creaminess and rich body, balancing out the brightness of the pesto.
Plain Greek yogurt: Lightens up the mix while contributing tang and protein, so your salad is creamy without being heavy.
Celery: Crisp and refreshing diced celery brings a subtle snap and a cool contrast to the rich dressing.
Red onion: Finely diced for a mild bite and lovely pop of color throughout the salad.
Pine nuts (optional): Toasted pine nuts add a toasty, buttery crunch that’s pure magic with basil pesto.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for elevating the other ingredients—start with a pinch and taste as you go.
Optional add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh cherry tomatoes, or shredded parmesan add their own flair whenever you want to switch things up.

How to Make Easy Pesto Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start with tender, fully cooked chicken. You can use leftover roast chicken, or quickly bake, poach, or even grill a couple of breasts or tenders. For the best texture, shred the chicken using two forks if you like little nooks for the sauce to cling, or dice it if you prefer clean, cube-shaped bites—there’s no wrong way here!

Step 2: Toast the Pine Nuts (Optional)

If you’re using pine nuts (highly recommended for extra depth), scatter them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toast them in a 375 degree oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Watch them closely—pine nuts go from golden to burnt in seconds! Let them cool while you mix the rest of the salad.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the pesto, mayonnaise, and plain Greek yogurt. Whisk everything together until smooth and glossy. This creamy, herb-packed mixture is what sets Easy Pesto Chicken Salad apart, merging richness and freshness in every spoonful.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the shredded or diced chicken to the bowl along with the celery, red onion, and pine nuts. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated and the vegetables are evenly distributed. Sprinkle on 1/4 teaspoon of salt and several cracks of black pepper, taste, and adjust as needed—remember that different pestos have different saltiness levels!

Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve your Easy Pesto Chicken Salad right away or cover it and refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors merge and deepen. Both options are delicious, but chilling gives the salad an extra-satisfying, refreshing quality—perfect for hot days or make-ahead lunches.

How to Serve Easy Pesto Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A finishing touch always elevates a homemade chicken salad! I love scattering a few more toasted pine nuts and some extra shredded parmesan over the top just before serving. Chopped fresh basil or a handful of sliced cherry tomatoes add even more pop and freshness, making your Easy Pesto Chicken Salad look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Easy Pesto Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with so many sides: try it with crisp crackers, sliced sourdough, or tucked into a fluffy pita. For a lighter meal, serve it over a bed of mixed greens with a squeeze of lemon. Roasted veggies, crunchy cucumber salad, or even chilled pasta round out the plate for a well-balanced lunch or casual dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

This salad loves a party! Spoon it into endive leaves for an elegant appetizer, or pile it high on crostini for bite-sized treats. Pack it into lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or stuff it into a wrap with extra veggies. You can even make a grilled cheese with a scoop of Easy Pesto Chicken Salad inside—don’t knock it till you try it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Pesto Chicken Salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get bolder as the salad sits, and the texture stays creamy, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy schedules.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad, since the mayo and yogurt dressing can separate and become watery when thawed. For best results, prepare and enjoy Easy Pesto Chicken Salad fresh, or keep leftovers in the fridge for a few days.

Reheating

This recipe is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat! If your salad has been in the fridge, just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the sauce and crunchy bits.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Easy Pesto Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat before mixing it with the other ingredients.

What’s the best pesto to use?

Homemade pesto always tastes brightest, but high-quality store-bought versions work perfectly too. Classic basil pesto is my go-to, but feel free to experiment with kale, arugula, or even sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.

Is there a dairy-free way to make Easy Pesto Chicken Salad?

Definitely! Swap out the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for dairy-free alternatives you like, and use a dairy-free pesto. Homemade pestos are easy to control for allergies or dietary preferences.

Can I add pasta for a heartier meal?

Yes! Stir cooked, cooled pasta (like penne or fusilli) right in with the other ingredients to create an irresistible pesto chicken pasta salad. It’s satisfying and perfect for potlucks.

How can I make this lower in fat?

Try using more Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise, and stick to a light hand with olive-oil-based pesto. You’ll still get creamy, bold flavor with fewer calories and less fat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bright, vibrant, and fuss-free meal, you seriously can’t go wrong with Easy Pesto Chicken Salad. It’s quick enough for a spontaneous lunch, special enough for entertaining, and endlessly adaptable. Give this recipe a try and let it earn a spot in your favorites rotation—you might just find yourself craving it week after week!

Easy Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Pesto Chicken Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and crunchy veggies creates a refreshing salad that’s sure to become a favorite.

Instructions

Mix the shredded chicken, pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, pine nuts, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator or serve immediately with crackers.

Notes

We recommend using Homemade Kale Pesto for extra flavor.
To toast pine nuts, spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
For shredded chicken, season chicken tenders with salt and pepper, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, then shred using forks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American