If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, this Healthy Pesto Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken is your go-to! It’s quick to make, loaded with fresh ingredients, and comes together in just minutes using rotisserie chicken. The pesto gives it a burst of flavor, while the crisp veggies and creamy dressing make every bite feel like a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Quick and easy – With rotisserie chicken, this salad comes together in no time.
- Packed with flavor – The pesto adds a rich and vibrant taste that elevates the whole salad.
- Healthy ingredients – Full of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this salad is a nutritious meal choice.
- Versatile – You can enjoy it as a light lunch, snack, or dinner, and it’s easily adaptable to your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or baby kale)
cherry tomatoes, halved
sliced
onion, thinly sliced
feta cheese
pine nuts or walnuts
For the Pesto Dressing:
pesto
olive oil
lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Shred the Chicken
Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use the dark or white meat, whichever you prefer. If you’re in a rush, simply pull the skin off and shred the chicken with a fork.
Prepare the Veggies
Wash and chop your veggies. I recommend using a mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. You can also add some red onion or avocado for extra flavor and creaminess.
Toss with Pesto
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and veggies. Add a generous spoonful of pesto and toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are well-coated. If you want extra creaminess, feel free to stir in a little Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
Serve
Once your salad is well-mixed, give it a quick taste. Add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed. You can serve this salad right away, or chill it in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Garnish and Enjoy
Before serving, garnish the salad with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra pop of flavor. This pesto chicken salad is delicious on its own or served on a bed of mixed greens.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh pesto – If you have time, making your own pesto at home is super easy and gives the salad an extra burst of flavor.
- Add nuts or seeds – For some crunch, toss in a handful of pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
- Make it creamy – Add a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamier texture.
- Grill the chicken – If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can grill or pan-cook some chicken breasts, then shred them.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegan version – You can swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based alternative.
- Dressing swap – If you’re not into pesto, a balsamic vinaigrette or lemon-tahini dressing would work well with this salad.
- Different greens – Swap the regular veggies for a base of spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for added nutrients.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This pesto chicken salad is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread or a light soup. For drinks, an iced tea or sparkling water would be a refreshing choice to complement the fresh flavors of the salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you’ve added creamy dressing, it’s best to store it separately to keep the salad fresh.
- Reheating – This salad is best enjoyed cold, but if you want to warm it up, try reheating just the chicken in the microwave, then tossing it back into the salad.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pesto?
Yes! Store-bought pesto works great for this recipe. Just be sure to choose one with high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad holds up well in the fridge. Just wait to add any creamy dressing until right before serving to keep it fresh.
How can I make this salad spicier?
For a kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes, a little chopped jalapeño, or even some hot sauce to the pesto.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely! Shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta would be excellent additions to this salad.
Conclusion
This Healthy Pesto Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken is a fast, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy days. The pesto brings everything together in a simple yet delicious way, while the fresh veggies add texture and color. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this salad is sure to satisfy and keep you feeling full.
Print
Healthy Pesto Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (using rotisserie chicken)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (add 2 extra servings for family-sized portions) 1x
- Category: Salad, Healthy Meal
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Healthy
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthy Pesto Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes it super easy, while a homemade pesto dressing adds a vibrant, herby flavor. With crunchy veggies and protein-packed chicken, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or baby kale)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
For the Pesto Dressing:
- 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded rotisserie chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- If using, sprinkle the feta cheese and nuts over the top for extra flavor and crunch.
Make the Pesto Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Drizzle the pesto dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is coated with the flavorful dressing.
Serve:
- Divide the salad into bowls and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Make it dairy-free: To make this salad dairy-free, omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Add more protein: If you’d like to add extra protein, consider adding hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas to the salad.
- Make it ahead: You can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time (without the dressing), store them in the fridge, and toss them together with the dressing when ready to eat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: ~550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: ~45mg
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