Pesto Chicken Salad

About this Chicken Salad

I didn't like chicken salad until I tried this pesto chicken salad... Seriously! It was never my go-to lunch or something I craved because it just seemed so BLAH! But I need to tell you—this Pesto Chicken Salad Wrap has won me over!

Adding pesto to this classic lunch staple brings a whole new level of flavor. It tastes super fresh, light, and it's perfect for your weekly meal prep or taking it for your lunchtime picnic.

Just as I customized my chicken salad, you can customize yours. It's such a versatile recipe that you can make over and over again without getting bored. Add more veggies, nuts, different kind of dried fruit and so much more!

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for pesto chicken salad including chicken, red onion, apple, avocado, almonds, dressing, celery, and pesto seasoning.

Greek Yogurt: So fresh and so creamy! Classic chicken salad recipes use mayonnaise as a base, but Greek yogurt is a lighter, healthier option. It also a slightly tarter taste.

Knorr’s Pesto Seasoning: This dry seasoning is SUCH a game changer! It mixes right in with our Greek yogurt and mayo base and creates an incredibly authentic pesto flavor without the oil.

Hot Sauce: Do you put hot sauce on everything, too? Adds such a subtle but appreciated kick! Sure, you can omit it but it really elevates the mixture.

Cooked Chicken: Bake/grill and shred some up yourself, or use a rotisserie chicken to save time. Here's my favorite way to prepare chicken!

Red Onion, apples, celery: Add crunchy texture and freshness!

Optional Add-Ins: I love adding pickles, grapes, sliced avocado, dried cranberries and hot sauce. Toss in your favorites!

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How to Make This Recipe

ingredients for pesto chicken salad including chicken, red onion, apple, avocado, almonds, and pesto in individual bowls. — Step 1

1. Prep ingredients: I like to dice chicken breasts really finely and cook them with some salt and pepper on the stove. You can also use a grilled chicken breast, Perdue Cooked Chicken Strips, or a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. The idea is to use whatever is convenient to YOU. Dice apples, onion, and celery finely.

dressing for healthy pesto chicken salad in white bowl. — Step 2

2. In a mixing bowl, add Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Mix together. Pour in pesto seasoning and mix until completely dissolved.

ingredients for healthy pesto chicken salad unmixed in large white bowl. — Step 3

3. Add chicken and produce to the bowl with the creamy dressing.

healthy pesto chicken salad mixed in large white bowl with apples and celery leaves surrounding. — Step 4

4. Stir until everything is well coated. Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy with a fork, on bread, with crackers or my favorite, on a wrap!

Recipe FAQs

How do you store it?

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days and mix before enjoying. If enjoying as a sandwich or wrap, store separately from the bread.

How should I prepare chicken for this recipe?

I suggest you check out my Ninja Foodi Grilled Chicken blog post for some tips on preparing the best grilled chicken. You can also use rotisserie, canned, or pre-shredded chicken for convenience. I love the pre-shredded chicken from Costco or Target.

Can I omit the mayo?

Yes! I like the bit of richness it adds, but you can just add more Greek yogurt in its place with little adjustment in flavor. Alternatively, you could also omit the Greek yogurt in place for more mayonnaise, too.

How should I serve this chicken salad?

This chicken salad can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways. I love it on a wrap with avocado, spinach, and a little extra hot sauce. You can also enjoy on bread (I suggest toasted, sourdough!), with crackers, on a bed of lettuce, or just with a fork!

healthy pesto chicken salad in a wheat wrap on a grey plate with concrete background.

four sandwiches assembled on parchment paper garnished with apples and lettuce.

healthy pesto chicken salad between two slices of toasted bread on white plate.

Recipe

Looking for this in MyFitnessPal?

If you're using MyFitnessPal, search 'A Paige Of Positivity' and find PESTO CHICKEN SALAD calories and nutrition facts. Disclaimer: for most accurate macronutrients and caloric breakdown, it is recommended that you input each ingredient into your MyFitnessPal food diary.

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved or just say hi!

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