Simple Pesto Chicken Salad

This pesto chicken salad is my absolute time-saver for busy weeknights and meal prep days. With just three ingredients, it delivers incredible flavor while keeping preparation minimal. The combination of tender rotisserie chicken, bright pesto, and creamy Greek yogurt creates a protein-packed meal that works perfectly for quick lunches or light dinners.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something nutritious but had zero energy for cooking. This has become my secret weapon for staying on track with healthy eating even when life gets chaotic.

Ingredients

• Rotisserie chicken: Provides tender precooked protein and saves significant prep time. Choose a fresh rotisserie chicken that feels heavy for its size.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Creates creaminess without the heaviness of mayo while adding protein and probiotics. Full fat works best for texture but nonfat works too.
• Pesto: Delivers complex herb and garlic flavor in one ingredient. Store bought works perfectly but homemade elevates this dish even further.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Shred the Chicken:

Take your rotisserie chicken and remove the meat from the bones. Shred it into bite sized pieces using two forks or your hands. Focus on the white meat for a leaner salad or include dark meat for more flavor. Aim for pieces that are small enough to fit in a sandwich but not so small they lose texture.

Mix the Base:

Add the Greek yogurt to a large mixing bowl. Make sure to use room temperature yogurt for easier mixing. The yogurt creates a creamy protein rich base that holds everything together without the heaviness of mayonnaise.

Incorporate the Pesto:

Add the pesto to the yogurt and stir until fully combined. The pesto should be evenly distributed creating a vibrant green base. Taste and adjust if needed some pestos vary in saltiness and intensity.

Combine Everything:

Gently fold in the shredded chicken until every piece is coated in the pesto yogurt mixture. Take care not to overmix which can break down the chicken texture. The mixture should be creamy but still have distinct pieces of chicken.

The Greek yogurt is truly the magic ingredient here. I discovered this substitution after trying to lighten up my favorite chicken salad recipes and found it actually tastes better than the mayo version with a wonderful tanginess that complements the basil in the pesto.

Storage Tips

This chicken salad actually improves with a bit of time in the refrigerator as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container and it stays fresh for up to 5 days making it perfect for weekly meal prep. The Greek yogurt base stays creamy without separating unlike mayo based salads that can sometimes get watery over time.

Serving Suggestions

While this pesto chicken salad shines in a wrap or on a croissant it also makes an excellent protein topping for grain bowls. Try it over warm quinoa with roasted vegetables or stuff it into hollowed out tomatoes for a beautiful lunch presentation. For a low carb option serve a scoop over lightly dressed arugula the peppery greens complement the basil in the pesto beautifully.

Customization Ideas

Though perfect in its simple form this recipe welcomes easy additions. Consider folding in halved grape tomatoes diced red onion or toasted pine nuts for texture. For a Mediterranean twist add chopped kalamata olives and diced cucumber. The pesto yogurt base works with nearly any add in you might crave making this a perfect clean out the fridge recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, any cooked chicken will work well in this recipe, such as baked or grilled chicken.

→ What kind of pesto should I use?

You can use any pesto, but traditional basil pesto or homemade pesto works best for this salad.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ How can I serve this salad?

Serve it in wraps, sandwiches, croissants, or on a bed of greens such as arugula, kale, or romaine.

→ Can I substitute Greek yogurt with another ingredient?

Yes, you can replace Greek yogurt with mayonnaise, sour cream, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

→ Is it suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge and is perfect for preparing a week’s worth of lunches.