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Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 549 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Pesto Chicken Salad combining tender shredded chicken with a creamy pesto-mayo dressing, crisp celery, sweet green peas, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, garnished with pine nuts for added crunch. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic dish.

Ingredients

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Chicken Mixture

  • 3 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup sweet green peas
  • 1/4 cup finely diced sweet onion

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup prepared pesto
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Pine nuts, as desired
  • Additional Parmesan cheese, as desired

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, sweet green peas, and finely diced sweet onion. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
  2. Make the pesto dressing: In a separate bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, prepared pesto, and shredded Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
  3. Combine and coat: Pour the pesto dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Garnish and chill: Sprinkle pine nuts and additional Parmesan cheese on top to garnish as desired. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve for best flavor and texture.
  5. Serve: Enjoy cold as a refreshing salad on its own or as a sandwich filling.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience and great flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of pesto depending on your taste preference for a stronger or milder herb flavor.
  • Pine nuts add a nice crunch, but they can be omitted or replaced with toasted walnuts or almonds if preferred.
  • This salad can also be served on a bed of greens or stuffed into a pita for a different presentation.
  • Keep the salad refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for freshness and safety.

Keywords: Pesto Chicken Salad, chicken salad recipe, pesto mayonnaise dressing, easy chicken salad, no-cook lunch

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/pesto-chicken-salad-recipe/