Pesto Chicken Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight
If you’re a fan of vibrant, herbaceous flavors and crave a healthy, satisfying meal, the Pesto Chicken Salad is here to delight your taste buds. This dish combines tender chicken coated in fresh basil pesto, crisp vegetables, and creamy cheese, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Why You’ll Love Pesto Chicken Salad
🌿 Fresh and Herbaceous
The homemade basil pesto gives this salad its signature flavor—a burst of fresh herbs with a hint of garlic and Parmesan.
🍗 Protein-Packed and Satisfying
Grilled chicken makes this salad hearty and filling while keeping it healthy.
🥗 Vibrant and Nutritious
Loaded with colorful veggies and greens, this salad is not just delicious but also packed with vitamins and nutrients.
🕒 Quick and Easy
With pre-cooked or grilled chicken, you can assemble this salad in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Salad
For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or lettuce) 🥬
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed 🍗
- 1/4 cup fresh basil pesto 🌿
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced 🥒
- 1/4 cup mozzarella pearls or crumbled feta cheese 🧀
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional) 🌰
For the Dressing (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 🍋
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions for Pesto Chicken Salad

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
If you’re using fresh chicken, grill or pan-sear it with a bit of salt and pepper until fully cooked. Let it cool slightly, then shred or cube it. Toss the chicken with the basil pesto until evenly coated.
2️⃣ Toast the Pine Nuts
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 1-2 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the mixed greens. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the cucumber.
4️⃣ Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base. Add the pesto-coated chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and mozzarella pearls or crumbled feta.
5️⃣ Make the Dressing (Optional)
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad if desired.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy! 🥗
Tips for the Best Pesto Chicken Salad
🌟 Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh basil, high-quality olive oil, and juicy cherry tomatoes will make your salad taste its best.
🍗 Make Your Own Pesto
Homemade pesto is easy to make and adds a burst of flavor. Blend fresh basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pine nuts for a simple, delicious pesto.
🍋 Add a Zesty Twist
If you love tangy flavors, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salad just before serving.
🥗 Customize the Ingredients
Feel free to add roasted red peppers, avocado slices, or olives for extra variety and flavor.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu for a plant-based version.
- Pasta Salad Twist: Toss the ingredients with cooked pasta to turn it into a hearty pesto chicken pasta salad.
- Keto-Friendly: Skip the tomatoes and use more greens and cheese for a low-carb option.
Why Pesto Chicken Salad is a Crowd-Pleaser
The Pesto Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of fresh, vibrant, and hearty flavors. The basil pesto brings a zesty herbaceous touch, while the grilled chicken and crunchy pine nuts add depth and texture. Whether you’re preparing a light meal for yourself or serving a dish to impress your guests, this salad is a guaranteed hit.

Pesto Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed greens baby spinach, arugula, or lettuce 🥬
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed 🍗
- 1/4 cup fresh basil pesto 🌿
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved 🍅
- 1/4 cup cucumber thinly sliced 🥒
- 1/4 cup mozzarella pearls or crumbled feta cheese 🧀
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted (optional) 🌰
- For the Dressing Optional:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 🍋
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
- Cook the chicken breast if not already done, by grilling or pan-searing with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooled, shred or cube the chicken. Toss it with the basil pesto until fully coated.
- 2️⃣ Toast the Pine Nuts:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- 3️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and dry the mixed greens. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the cucumber.
- 4️⃣ Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base. Add the pesto-coated chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and mozzarella pearls or crumbled feta.
- 5️⃣ Make the Dressing (Optional):
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle over the salad if desired.
- 6️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top for added crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful, fresh dish! 🥗