Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

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Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is packed with tender, juicy chicken and all your favorite fiesta-inspired salad fixings plus fresh basil all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It’s an easy lunch or dinner option any day of the week with the family.
And the best part, You won’t be able to stop craving it! This salad is a texture lover’s paradise.

You ever bite into something and instantly feel like you’re sitting on a sun-drenched porch somewhere while holding lemonade in hand and having not a care in the world, That was me on last Tuesday when I tasted this lemon basil chicken salad.

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

I gathered the basic ingredients to prepare this recipe.Suddenly I was tossing together what turned out to be the ultimate summer lunch which was light and zesty and somehow fancy without even trying.

I mean I didn’t even measure anything the first time since I just eyeballed it but spoiler alert it still turned out amazing and yes I did a happy dance in my kitchen.

Have you tried using basil in salad like this before, If not then you’re in for a treat because it’s bright and a little unexpected yet ridiculously good.

Oh and fair warning this stuff disappears fast like “Where’d the rest go” fast so no judgment if you eat it straight from the bowl since I’ve been there too.

Ingredients :

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for a little sweetness

How to Make lemon basil chicken salad

Step 1

The first thing you need to do is prepare the chicken. If the chicken isn’t cooked yet, you can boil, bake, or grill it until it’s fully cooked. Then, slice or chop it into small pieces.

Step 2

Then try mixing the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, olive oil, salt, pepper, and honey if you want to add a touch of sweetness. Stir the ingredients well until combined. You should also chop the vegetables: chop the cucumber, bell pepper, and onion into small pieces. Finely chop the fresh basil leaves as well.

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Step 3

Now, combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chicken, chopped vegetables, and basil. Pour the dressing over everything. Then, mix well: Use a large spoon to mix all the ingredients together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing.

Step 4

Don’t forget to taste and adjust: taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Finally, chill it before serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Kitchen Equipment Needed :

To make these yummy lemon basil chicken salad you’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls small and large
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon for mixing
  • Cooking tools for chicken like a pot, oven, or grill
  • Refrigerator for chilling

Tips for Making Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Use cooked chicken from leftovers to save time.

Fresh basil is best, but if you only have dried, use about one-third the amount.

Greek yogurt makes the salad creamier and healthier than mayonnaise.

What to Eat with lemon basil chicken salad ??

I love to eat this lemon chicken salad with crusty bread. It gives it a delicious crunch. If I want to turn it into a complete salad, I serve it with a layer of leafy greens. I also like it with a fruit drink. When I’m done, I prefer something sweet, like desserts. This has become one of my habits.

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Looking for more simple chichen recipes to try ? Here are a few of our favorites:

FAQ’S

What kind of chicken works best for lemon basil chicken salad ?

You can use any cooked chicken like grilled, boiled, rotisserie, or leftover roasted chicken. Just make sure it’s not heavily seasoned.

What can I use instead of fresh basil ?

You can use dried basil, but only use 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are stronger in flavor.

How long does the salad stay fresh in the fridge ?

It stays fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

What other veggies can I add ?

Try adding celery, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or sweet corn for extra crunch and color.

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Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

lemon basil chicken salad

Recipe by LorieCourse: Salads, Main Course, LunchCuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspiredDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

This Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful mix of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil, tossed with creamy dressing and crisp veggies. It's light, easy to make, and perfect for lunches, picnics, or a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small cucumber, diced

  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for a little sweetness

Directions

  • The first thing you need to do is prepare the chicken. If the chicken isn't cooked yet, you can boil, bake, or grill it until it's fully cooked. Then, slice or chop it into small pieces.
  • Then try mixing the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, olive oil, salt, pepper, and honey if you want to add a touch of sweetness. Stir the ingredients well until combined. You should also chop the vegetables: chop the cucumber, bell pepper, and onion into small pieces. Finely chop the fresh basil leaves as well.
  • Now, combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chicken, chopped vegetables, and basil. Pour the dressing over everything. Then, mix well: Use a large spoon to mix all the ingredients together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing.
  • Don't forget to taste and adjust: taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Finally, chill it before serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Notes

  • Add lemon zest A little lemon zest boosts the citrus taste without making it too sour.
  • Dry your veggies If you rinse cucumbers or other veggies, pat them dry so the salad doesn’t get watery.
  • Add nuts for crunch Try slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts.
  • Turn it into a wrap Roll it in a tortilla or flatbread for an easy lunch or snack.
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Lorie

Lorie

Hi there! I’m Lorie the voice, cook, and heart behind Thebrunchingmama.com A former teacher turned full-time blogger and proud mama, I’m embracing this delicious new chapter one recipe at a time!

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