Basil Chicken Salad is a delicious and healthy dish made with tender chicken, fresh basil, red pepper & a simple dressing! This easy chicken salad recipe is a great twist on a classic!
The addition of fresh basil in this healthy chicken salad recipe adds a unique and refreshing flavor to the dish. Chicken salad with basil can be served as a main dish or as a side dish, the combination of flavors and textures in this salad makes it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress!
Easy Lunch or Snack- Chicken Salad
Looking for a quick and easy lunch or snack option? Try this delicious basil chicken salad! With only a handful of ingredients, it’s a breeze to make and perfect for those busy days. Serve this dish on a bed of lettuce or with some crackers for a tasty and satisfying meal.
This basil chicken salad is a great option for anyone looking for a quick and easy lunch or snack. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
- It is packed with protein: The chicken in this salad is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, as well as for maintaining a healthy immune system.
- Bursting with flavor: The fresh basil in this salad adds a unique and delicious flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of mayo, sour cream, onion powder, salt, and pepper also adds a perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors.
- It is easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe can be whipped up in no time. Simply chop the chicken, celery, and bell pepper, mix in the dressing, and you’re done!
Ingredients for Basil Chicken Salad
Chicken: For the protein and base of this recipe, you need 2 cups of chopped, cooked chicken. This is equal to about two large chicken breasts.
Celery: Add ¼ cup of chopped celery for a refreshing crunch in this salad.
Bell pepper: Using ¼ cup of chopped red bell pepper adds a pop of color and amazing flavor too.
Basil: 2 TBSP of chopped fresh basil adds a distinct aroma and taste to the dish.
Mayonnaise: You need 2 TBSP of mayonnaise to help bind the ingredients together well.
Sour cream: Use 2 TBSP of sour cream for a tangy taste and creamy texture.
Onion powder: For a subtle, yet noticeable flavor, add ½ tsp of onion powder.
Salt & pepper: Add in ⅛ tsp of seasoning salt and a dash of black pepper, for more added flavor.
How to make Chicken Salad with Basil
Prep
To prepare the chicken for the basil chicken salad, start by cooking two large chicken breasts until they are fully cooked. Once the chicken has cooled down, chop it into small pieces using a sharp knife. It is important to ensure that the chicken is chopped into bite-sized pieces so that it can be easily mixed with the other ingredients.
Next, chop the vegetables. Start by washing the celery and red bell pepper, and then chop them into small pieces.
Basil is a key ingredient in this recipe and adds a fresh and flavorful taste to the salad. To prepare the basil, wash the leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Once the basil is dry, chop it finely using a sharp knife. Be sure to remove any stems or tough parts of the basil leaves before chopping.
Assemble
Once all the ingredients have been prepared, it is time to mix them together. In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, celery, red bell pepper, and basil. Add 2 tablespoons of mayo and 2 tablespoons of sour cream to the bowl, along with ½ tsp of onion powder, ⅛ tsp of season salt, and a dash of black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
The basil chicken salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for later. Top with additional fresh basil and serve on croissants, leaves of lettuce or crackers. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Basil Chicken Salad
This delicious Basil Chicken Salad can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Here are a few serving suggestions to try:
Sandwiches: Spread the Basil Chicken Salad between two slices of bread or on a croissant for a quick and easy sandwich. Add some lettuce and tomato for extra flavor and crunch.
Wraps: Wrap the Basil Chicken Salad in a tortilla or lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing meal. Top with some avocado or cheese for added flavor.
Salad: Serve the Basil Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for a healthy and filling salad. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or other vegetables for extra nutrition.
Appetizer: Serve the Basil Chicken Salad as a dip with crackers or sliced vegetables for a tasty and easy appetizer. Add some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
Basil Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken cooked & chopped
- ¼ cup celery chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper chopped
- 2 TBSP fresh basil chopped
- 2 TBSP mayo
- 2 TBSP sour cream
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp season salt
- dash of black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Start by cooking two large chicken breasts until they are fully cooked. Once the chicken has cooled down, chop it into small pieces using a sharp knife.
- Wash the celery and red bell pepper, and then chop them into small pieces. Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Chop it finely using a sharp knife, remove any stems or tough parts of the basil leaves before chopping.
- Assemble: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, celery, red bell pepper, and basil. Add 2 tablespoons of mayo and 2 tablespoons of sour cream to the bowl, along with ½ tsp of onion powder, ⅛ tsp of season salt, and a dash of black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
- The basil chicken salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for later. Top with additional fresh basil and serve on croissants, leaves of lettuce or crackers. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How long is this Basil Chicken Salad good for?
This basil chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. It is important to keep it chilled to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
It is not recommended to freeze this basil chicken salad as the texture and flavor may be affected once it thaws.
How can you cook chicken specifically for use in chicken salad?
To cook chicken specifically for use in chicken salad, it is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and is not undercooked. One way to do this is to bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Another option is to poach the chicken in simmering water for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What variations can make a chicken salad healthier?
To make a chicken salad healthier, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also add more vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes for added nutrients and fiber. Additionally, using whole grain bread or lettuce leaves instead of white bread can increase the fiber content of the dish.
How do you incorporate grapes into a chicken salad recipe?
To incorporate grapes into a chicken salad recipe, you can add 1 cup of halved grapes to the mixture. The sweetness of the grapes complements the savory flavors of the chicken salad. Alternatively, you can substitute the red bell pepper with grapes for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
For more delicious & simple chicken recipes, try these:
- 5 Minute Chicken Salad recipe
- Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken recipe
- Best Homemade Chicken Tenders recipe
- 20-minute Chicken Stew recipe
- Best Chicken & Dumplings recipe
- Easy Indian Butter Chicken
- Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Easy Chicken Cacciatore Bake
- Classic Chicken Noodle Soup recipe
- Easy Salsa Chicken recipe
- Easy Chicken Curry recipe
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Basil Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. The combination of textures and flavors in this healthy chicken salad recipe makes it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress!
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