Pesto Chicken Salad
Do you love chicken salad? I do, but sometimes I feel like it can be boring and a bit overdone. This Pesto Chicken Salad is anything but boring! Try out this fresh new twist on a classic spread. It is sure to spice up your lunch or party tray! The spinach and basil add a delicious freshness to the dish and the pine nuts give it a great additional texture along with their great toasted flavors. When it all comes together with the deliciousness of the Parmesan cheese…Wow! If you are a pesto fan, or a chicken salad fan, then this dish is a must try. It was fantastic on the ciabatta bread but would also be fabulous in a lettuce wrap or as a dip with some crackers or toasted pita.
Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Salad
3 cups chicken, cooked (I used breasts)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1 cup fresh spinach leaves, packed
1 cup Greek yogurt, 7-ounces
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/4 cup Pine nuts, toasted
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 teaspoon lemon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions for Pesto Chicken Salad
Chop your chicken in to small pieces and add to a large bowl
Finely chop your basil and spinach and add it to the chicken
Add all the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine.
Taste and adjust the seasonings.
To toast the Pine nuts, add them to a small pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan comes up to temperature, they will toast very quickly, so this isn’t something you want to walk away from. Once they are lightly browned and glistening, remove them from the pan to stop the cooking. Do not burn them or they’ll be bitter. And don’t skip this step. Toasting the nuts brings out the nature oils and intensifies the flavor.
Serve immediately on bread for sandwiches, with crackers for dip or over lettuce for a low-carb lunch!
How did you like this Pesto Chicken Salad? Did you give it a try? Do you have any favorite chicken salad recipes?
I have to tell you this was such a hit in my house that I make it about once a week now. I adore it on crackers.
Speaking of crackers you will want that recipe too:
Sourdough Rosemary Sea Salt Cracker Recipe
or our
Sourdough Parmesan Garlic Cracker Recipe
I love chicken salad and pesto, this is definitely a must try for me! Love how the freshness of the spinach and basil helps brighten and lighten the whole dish. I can’t wait to try this!
Kathryn Doherty recently posted…45 Thanksgiving side dishes {recipe round up}
Hi Kathryn,
I can’t wait to hear how you like it! I love it and make it about once a week. It kicks Chicken Salad up about 10 notches 🙂
Oh I love the addition of pine nuts, pesto and yogurt! Yum, I can hardly wait to try this version. Thanks for sharing!
Susan recently posted…Mind Blowing Brownie Bites
This is one of those addicting recipes. I find myself making over and over again. Thank you so much Susan 🙂 Glad your here.
Hi Susan,
Yum! Is right. It’s so addicting. I make it about once a week now. I love it and so good on crackers too. Thank you for stopping by. I’m glad your here.
This looks amazing! I love pesto and the idea of changing up the standard chicken salad. Yum!
Stephanie | The Foodie and The Fix recently posted…Black Bean Hummus Taco Dip with Pita Chips
Thank you so much Stephanie. The Pesto Chicken Salad is addicting 🙂
The same old chicken salad can get boring and these additions sound wonderful! It’s great co-hosting with you at the #HomeMattersParty
Vickie @Vickie’s Kitchen and Garden recently posted…Free Kindle Books for 11/5/15 Plus Amazon’s Deal of the Day!
I probably should have had lunch before I checked out this recipe. Now I am starving and I want this! #HomeMattersParty
Love pesto, and chicken salad too! I bet this combination would taste so wonderful. 🙂
CJ Huang recently posted…Five Friday Finds #211
Yum! I love chicken salad and this recipe looks delicious! Thanks for sharing with us at the Merry Monday link party. I hope you’ll join us again next week. Sharing your post on Twitter!
Ashley recently posted…Merry Monday 78
Looks like a lovely salad. Thanks for sharing your recipe with us. #HomeMattersParty
Sahana recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #62
Mmmmm – looks good. I’m a huge fan of pesto and chicken salads.
I’m happy to be partying with you again this month. #HomeMattersParty
Alayna @AlaynasCreations recently posted…Bunco Water Bottle – White Elephant Gift
This looks really good! Thanks for sharing this! #HomeMattersParty
This salad looks so good! I can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks for sharing and co-hosting at the #HomeMattersParty – you’re lovely! 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Lorelai @ Life With Lorleai recently posted…DIY Tassel Ring
That looks so yummy!! What a perfect thing to take with us when we’re offroading and need a lunch, I love it! #HomeMattersParty
Jamie recently posted…Check Out Hillsong’s New CD “Open Heaven (River Wild)”
Trying this Salad right now and it’s delish! Healthy, creamy, yummy!
http://www.blossomthecreativist.com
I would love to know what you thought. It’s such a favorite in my home. 🙂