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Pesto Chicken Salad with Diced Chicken, Pine Nuts, and Fresh Basil

Pesto Chicken Salad with Diced Chicken, Pine Nuts, and Fresh Basil

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  • Author: NORA
  • Prep Time: 25
  • Cook Time: 8
  • Total Time: 33
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: salads
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-American

Description

A vibrant, herb-forward salad blending basil pesto, tender diced chicken, and crunchy vegetables with toasty pine nuts. Perfect for quick lunches or picnics, it combines rustic Italian flavors with modern simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup fresh basil pesto
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and toast pine nuts on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes
In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, mayonnaise, pesto, and lemon juice
Stir in diced celery and red onion
Mash ingredients with a fork to desired texture
Add toasted pine nuts and gently fold to combine
Chill for 15 minutes before serving for flavors to meld


Notes

Use chicken breast for a leaner version
Grilled chicken works well for added smokiness
Add torn basil leaves for extra freshness
Store in airtight container for up to 3 days


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg