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–+ servings
Pesto Chicken Salad

Pesto Chicken Salad: Your Must-Try Summer Meal Prep Gem

Pesto Chicken Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic summer meal, packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Base
  • 3 cups Diced Chicken Use cooked or shredded chicken for convenience.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to personal taste.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground is recommended.
For the Creamy Pesto Dressing
  • 0.5 cup Basil Pesto Homemade or store-bought.
  • 0.25 cup Mayonnaise Can be replaced with Greek yogurt.
For the Crunch
  • 2 ribs Celery Diced; substitute with radish or zucchini.
  • 0.25 cup Red Onion Diced; green onions or shallots can be used.
  • 0.25 cup Toasted Pine Nuts Almonds can be substituted.
Optional Additions
  • Freshly Grated Parmesan Omit for a dairy-free version.
  • Cherry Tomatoes or Cucumbers Adds freshness and color.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pesto Chicken Salad
  1. Gather all your ingredients. Measure out the chicken, celery, mayonnaise, red onion, basil pesto, and pine nuts.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, and red onion. Add the basil pesto and mayonnaise, folding these together for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Toss in the toasted pine nuts and mix again for a minute to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
  4. Sprinkle in kosher salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly for about a minute to ensure even seasoning.
  5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 12mg

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality basil pesto. Add delicate ingredients just before serving to maintain their crunch.

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