Basil Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Basil Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. With tender shredded chicken, fragrant basil, and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Enjoy it on its own, with crackers, or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken (store bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1-2 celery stalks, finely diced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the salad by adding the shredded chicken, red onion, and celery to a large bowl, then set aside.
- Step 2: Make the dressing by mixing the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables, then toss until everything is fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 4: Serve the salad immediately with crackers or as a sandwich filling on your favorite bread. Alternatively, chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or sliced almonds to the salad.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer dressing.
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Storage
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. If the dressing thickens after chilling, let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes or add a splash of lemon juice to loosen it.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a convenient option for shredded chicken in this recipe.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge and can be prepared ahead of time for easy lunches or quick meals throughout the week.
PrintBasil Chicken Salad Recipe
A refreshing and creamy Basil Chicken Salad combining tender shredded chicken with fresh basil, zesty lemon, and a tangy yogurt-mayonnaise dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a delicious sandwich filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups shredded chicken (store bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1–2 celery stalks, finely diced
Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the salad. Add the shredded chicken, finely diced red onion, and diced celery to a large mixing bowl, then set it aside while you prepare the dressing.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Toss the salad. Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together carefully until evenly coated. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve. Serve the Basil Chicken Salad immediately with your favorite crackers or use it as a delicious sandwich filling with your preferred bread. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate the salad until ready to use.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt or use a low-fat mayonnaise.
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for extra crunch if desired.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor; dried basil will not provide the same aromatic freshness.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing taste on warm days.
Keywords: Basil Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad Recipe, Easy Chicken Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad, Basil Recipes, Greek Yogurt Dressing
