This Pesto Chicken Salad is quick, flavor-packed, and loaded with texture from juicy chicken, creamy pesto dressing, roasted peppers, and crunchy almonds.
author’s note
My Current Lunch Hyperfixation!
If there’s a pesto chicken salad on a menu, I’m ordering it. No hesitation. It’s always been one of my favorite lunches, especially from those soup-and-sandwich spots that somehow make everything taste extra good.
But here’s the thing… most versions are more mayo than pesto. And while I love a classic chicken salad, I wanted one where the pesto actually shines.
So I built a dressing that’s mostly pesto with just enough mayo and sour cream to make it creamy without overpowering everything.
The first time I piled it onto a buttery croissant with crisp lettuce and avocado… I knew this was it. This is truly my hyperfixation lunch now.
Ingredients In Pesto Chicken Salad
This salad has only four main ingredients besides the dressing. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Rotisserie chicken: Using rotisserie chicken makes this salad come together quickly and adds extra flavor since it’s already seasoned.
- Roasted red peppers: I use store-bought roasted peppers, typically found near pickles, capers, and olives in the store.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Get the tomatoes packed in oil and with herbs for best flavor.
- Sliced almonds: These add a great crunchy texture and flavor. I like to purchase them already toasted for even more flavor.
Dressing
The dressing makes this pesto chicken salad. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and the brands I use.
- Basil Pesto: Get a fresh basil pesto, found near fresh pasta or in the produce section. Or make your own pesto!
- Mayo: Choose a rich, creamy mayo. Best Foods is my favorite brand.
- Sour Cream: Any type works, including regular, low-fat, or fat-free.
- Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang; avoid using regular mustard.
- Lemon Juice: Use fresh-squeezed for a boost of flavor. If you love a strong lemon flavor, add in some zest.
- Salt and Pepper: Add based on how salty the pesto and chicken is. If you feel the salad is lacking, it might just need an extra pinch of salt!
Pesto Chicken Salad Variations
- Swap Nuts: Use pine nuts or walnuts instead of almonds.
- Add Herbs: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or fresh basil for even more flavor.
- Add Avocado: Add diced avocado directly into the salad for a more creamy texture.
How to Make Pesto Chicken Salad
- Prep ingredients: Chop chicken, dice peppers and tomatoes, and get almonds ready.
- Dressing: Stir pesto, mayo, sour cream, Dijon, lemon juice, and honey until smooth.
- Combine: Add everything to a large bowl and toss gently.
- Taste: Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Build sandwiches or enjoy straight from the bowl.
chelsea’s recipe tip
Best Ways To Serve This Pesto Chicken Salad
- Croissant: My fave. Add lettuce & avocado.
- Toasted bread: Any kind works, I love whole grain.
- Lettuce wraps: Light & fresh option.
- Straight up: Grab a fork or scoop with crackers.
- Pita pocket: Stuff it in warm pita.
- Avocado boat: Spoon into halved avocado.
Storage
- Best Same Day: Enjoy this pesto chicken salad the same day for the best flavor and crunch.
- Short-Term: Make a few hours ahead and pop in the fridge.
- Long-Term: Store in the fridge for 2-3 days, but know that flavors and textures will change. The almonds get very soft.
More Easy Sandwich Recipes:
Pesto Chicken Salad
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken or rotisserie, cubed
- 1/2 cup finely diced jarred roasted red pepper see note 1
- 1/2 cup finely diced sun-dried tomatoes in oil see note 2
- 1/2 cup sliced roasted almonds see note 3
- 1/2 cup basil pesto see note 4
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Serving suggestions see note 5
Instructions
- Add all ingredients in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently stir until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Toast bread or slice open a fresh croissant. Top with lettuce and a few scoops of pesto chicken salad. Add any other desired toppings—I love a few slices of ripe avocado.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Fantastic, really delicious I love how all the flavors mixed together. I wanted something tasty and healthy and this fit the bill.
So glad to hear that! Thank you Bridgett!
My husband and I are enjoying a keto diet right now! At the end of our induction face, this sandwich on lettuce instead of bread, is going to be the first meal I prepare! Thank you! It sounds heavenly!
I hope you love it when you’re able to try it Susie! 🙂
We have an egg allergy. Could Greek yogurt be substituted for the Mayo? Would you still include the sour cream?
I’d use Greek yogurt and sour cream 🙂 Might be a touch tangy so maybe a bit more honey as well.
OMG this sandwich looks absolutely divine!! My husband and I adore pesto chicken salad cause we are a huge fun of pesto. We also love to put pesto on our grilled cheese sandwiches 🙂
But I’ve never eaten chicken sandwich with roasted peppers before. It must be delicious.
Ps: your photos are getting more and more beautiful. Love them!
I’m a pesto fanatic and not a huge fan of mayo, so I like that you made the sauce pesto-heavy! It looks so so good – definitely the perfect summery lunch. Lovely photos, as usual 🙂
Awe thank you so much Rachel! 🙂
Love this sandwich so much! This is my dream lunch. Great photos and the pesto looks absolutely marvelous.
I appreciate that! Thank you so much Tiffany! 🙂