Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad with Greens

4.7
(18)
13 Reviews

For a healthy variation on creamy chicken salad, we've replaced half the mayonnaise with basil pesto. Serve over greens or make it into a sandwich for a healthy lunch.

By
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 18, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
3758974.jpg
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
Nutrition Profile:
Low-Carb Diabetes-Friendly Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Low-Sodium Heart-Healthy High-Protein Gluten-Free Low-Calorie
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed

  • ¼ cup pesto

  • ¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise

  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 5-ounce package mixed salad greens (about 8 cups)

  • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

  1. Place chicken in a medium saucepan and add water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer gently until no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a clean cutting board; shred into bite-size pieces when cool enough to handle.

  2. Combine pesto, mayonnaise and onion in a medium bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Whisk oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add greens and tomatoes and toss to coat. Divide the green salad among 4 plates and top with the chicken salad.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, March/April 2015

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

324 Calories
20g Fat
9g Carbs
27g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 2 cups greens & 1/2 cup chicken salad
Calories 324
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 3g
Added Sugars 1g 2%
Protein 27g 54%
Total Fat 20g 25%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Vitamin A 1777IU 36%
Vitamin C 18mg 20%
Folate 57mcg 14%
Sodium 454mg 20%
Calcium 153mg 12%
Iron 2mg 12%
Magnesium 48mg 11%
Potassium 542mg 12%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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