Pesto Chicken Salad
This quick and easy Pesto Chicken Salad is made with rotisserie chicken, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, and a fresh pesto dressing.
Servings: 6 loaded sandwiches
Cost: $8.47
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
Assembly
- 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.
Video
Notes
Note 1: I love roasted red pepper strips. Drain well before dicing.
Note 2: Try to find tomatoes packed in oil and with herbs for more flavor.
Note 3: I like to grab already toasted almonds—more flavor and no extra work for you!
Note 4: The pesto is the most important ingredient in this salad! You'll want to use freshly made basil pesto (or make your own), not the preserved/jarred kind. Freshly made pesto is typically near fresh (not dried) pasta or in the produce section of the store. My two favorites are Buitoni® Pesto with Basil or Rana® Basil Pesto.
Note 5: For assembly, use bread (I love mini croissants), lettuce, avocado, or whatever you like on a chicken salad sandwich!
Storage: For the best flavor, enjoy this recipe the same day it's made. If preparing ahead, you can refrigerate it for a few hours. For longer storage, it will last in the fridge for 2–3 days, though the flavors and textures will change, and the almonds may soften.
Nutrition
Serving: 6loaded sandwiches | Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.8g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 22.6g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 225.3mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 5.9g