Creamy basil chicken salad with lemon-basil dressing, crisp veggies and Parmesan — ready in 20 minutes. Meal-prep friendly & easy to customize.
Basil Chicken Salad Recipe
This basil chicken salad recipe is fresh, creamy, and versatile. Juicy chicken meets fragrant basil and a light dressing that works for sandwiches, wraps, or a simple salad bowl.
You can make a lemon basil chicken salad for brightness, add Parmesan for richness, or use pesto for a bold twist. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for everyday meals or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Basil Chicken Salad Recipe
This basil chicken salad recipe is quick, adaptable, and always satisfying.The creamy basil dressing pairs perfectly with crisp veggies, making it light yet filling.
It’s easy to meal prep, customize with lemon, Parmesan, or pesto, and works for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
Ingredients — Everything You Need
To make this basil chicken salad recipe, gather fresh, simple ingredients. You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier version or use pesto instead of basil leaves for a quick twist.
| For the Salad | For the Dressing |
|---|---|
| 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced) | ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt |
| 1 cup fresh basil leaves | 2 tbsp lemon juice + zest |
| 1 cup celery, finely chopped | 2 garlic cloves, minced |
| ½ cup red onion, diced | ¼ cup grated Parmesan or 2 tbsp pesto |
| 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional) | Salt & black pepper, to taste |
| 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional) | — |
| ¼ cup toasted nuts or seeds (optional) | — |
Quick Equipment & Timing
You don’t need fancy tools for this basil chicken salad recipe. A sharp knife, cutting board, and large mixing bowl cover the basics. If making a creamy basil dressing from scratch, a food processor or blender makes the job quick and smooth.
Prep takes about 15 minutes, cooking chicken another 10 minutes, so everything’s ready in roughly 25 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or simple meal prep.
Step-by-Step Method (Easy)
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Prep the Chicken | Start with 3 cups cooked chicken. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or poach boneless breasts until tender. Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor. Cut into bite-sized pieces or shred finely based on preference. |
| 2. Make the Basil Dressing | Blend fresh basil, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan until smooth. This creamy basil dressing is the heart of the dish. For a shortcut, swap basil with pesto for bold flavor. |
| 3. Chop and Combine | Dice celery and red onion for crunch, and halve cherry tomatoes for brightness. Add to a large mixing bowl with the chicken. For richness, stir in crumbled bacon or toasted nuts. |
| 4. Toss and Finish | Pour the basil dressing over chicken and veggies. Toss gently until coated. Season with salt, pepper, olive oil, and finish with lemon zest for freshness. |
| 5. Serving Suggestions | Enjoy as a sandwich, lettuce wrap, or over crisp greens. Great for meal prep, lasting 3–4 days in the fridge. |
Variations to Try
This basil chicken salad recipe is easy to customize with different flavors:
- Lemon Basil Chicken Salad – Add extra lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy kick.
- Basil Parmesan Chicken Salad – Stir in more grated Parmesan for richness.
- Pesto Chicken Salad – Swap fresh basil for pesto for a quick, bold twist.
- Healthy Basil Chicken Salad – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter option.
- Thai Basil Chicken Salad – Try Thai basil for a slightly spicy, aromatic variation.
Each version keeps the salad fresh, unique, and adaptable to your taste.
Pro Tips for the Best Texture
Pro Tips for the Best Texture
- For meal prep, store the salad and dressing separately, then combine right before eating for maximum freshness and crunch.
- Chill the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving so the creamy basil dressing settles and flavors blend.
- Avoid overdressing; use just enough to coat the chicken and veggies.
- Pat chicken dry after cooking to prevent a watery salad.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
Here’s an estimate for one serving of this basil chicken salad recipe (about 1 cup). Values will vary depending on whether you use mayo, Greek yogurt, or pesto.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~25 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~6 g |
| Fat | ~18 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sodium | ~480 mg |
This salad is naturally high in protein, low in carbs, and easy to adapt into a healthy basil chicken salad.
Storage & Make-Ahead
This basil chicken salad recipe keeps fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
For meal prep chicken salad, it’s best to keep the creamy basil dressing separate and mix it in right before serving to maintain texture.
Freezing isn’t recommended, since mayo or Greek yogurt can separate and alter the consistency after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it works perfectly for this basil chicken salad recipe and saves time.
Q2: How do I make it healthier?
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter healthy basil chicken salad.
Q3: Can I use pesto instead of basil?
Yes, it instantly becomes a flavorful pesto chicken salad.
Q4: How long does it last?
Up to 3–4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Q5: Can I serve it in wraps?
Absolutely—try lettuce wraps, tortillas, or sandwiches.
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
