Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe

If you love a dish that’s fresh, full of vibrant flavor, and incredibly easy to throw together, this Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to. Bursting with bright citrus, aromatic basil, and a creamy, tangy dressing, every bite feels like pure sunshine. Whether you need a quick lunch, picnic fare, or a flavorful sandwich filling, this salad delivers it all — plus it comes together in minutes, making it just as practical as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this salad is simple, yet totally essential. The combination of juicy shredded chicken, a citrusy punch of lemon, and loads of fresh basil creates a dish that’s both lively and full of comfort. Each component has a specific role in bringing the Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad to life.

• Shredded chicken: The star of the bowl, offering heartiness and plenty of protein — feel free to use rotisserie or homemade for ultimate ease.
• Red onion: Adds a crisp, flavorful crunch and a lovely pop of color.
• Celery stalks: Bring fresh, crisp texture and a subtly earthy flavor that balances the richness of the dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Lends luscious creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Brightens the dressing with tang while making it a bit lighter and thicker.
• Fresh basil: The showstopper herb, infusing everything with summery, peppery aroma and a vibrant green hue.
• Lemon juice: Provides acidity and zing that lights up every bite.
• Lemon zest: Amplifies the citrus notes for even more lemon flavor in the Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad.
• Garlic clove: Adds just a hint of savory depth to round out the creaminess.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Gives a gentle hint of heat and aroma throughout.

How to Make Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Salad Base

Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding in your shredded chicken, diced red onion, and finely chopped celery. Giving these a quick toss together helps distribute the veggies throughout the chicken and sets the stage for a well-mixed salad.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Lemon-Basil Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped basil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix this all together until it’s thoroughly blended, creating a gorgeous, creamy dressing flecked with bright green basil and lemon zest.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour your luscious lemon-basil dressing right over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss everything together until every bit of chicken and every veggie piece is evenly coated. Now’s the perfect time to give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like—it should be bright, zippy, and herby.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

This Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is delicious as soon as it’s made, but it gets even better if you let it chill for an hour or so to let the flavors meld. Serve immediately with crackers, heap it onto your favorite bread for sandwiches, or pile it into lettuce cups for a lighter twist. If you’re not ready to eat, just cover and refrigerate until hunger strikes!

How to Serve Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A final shower of fresh chopped basil or a sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top makes this Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad look as vibrant as it tastes. For even more flair, add microgreens, a few pomegranate seeds, or a quick grind of black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad plays well with just about any simple side. Think fresh fruit, a handful of crispy chips, a bowl of mixed greens, or even a light soup. The bright flavors set off heartier sides beautifully, so it’s the perfect companion to a summer picnic or weekday lunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

The possibilities are endless for serving Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad. Tuck it into toasted croissants for a brunch-worthy upgrade, stuff it into hollowed tomatoes or avocados for a pretty appetizer, or spoon it onto cucumber slices for bite-sized party snacks. If you’re feeling especially clever, serve it on a bed of arugula for a refreshing salad twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad? Lucky you! Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious and fresh for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as the dressing might settle a bit.

Freezing

While chicken salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the creamy dressing may separate or change texture, you can freeze just the shredded chicken in advance. That way, assembling a fresh batch is even faster later on!

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no need to reheat. If you’d like to bring some chill off straight out of the fridge, simply let it sit on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut that makes this recipe even easier. Just shred or chop it, toss out the bones and skin, and use it as the base for your salad.

What’s a good substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you’re out of Greek yogurt, try regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or even a bit more mayonnaise. Greek yogurt adds a nice tang and creaminess, but the salad will still taste great with these swaps.

Can I make Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad dairy-free?

Yes! Just use a dairy-free yogurt or extra mayo in place of the Greek yogurt. Make sure your mayonnaise is dairy-free as well, and you’ll have a delicious salad that fits your needs.

How long does the salad last in the fridge?

You can safely store Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad in the refrigerator for up to three days in a sealed container. The flavors actually get even better after a few hours of chilling!

Can I add other vegetables or herbs?

Of course! Feel free to toss in diced cucumber, bell pepper, or even chopped spinach. Mint or parsley also pair beautifully with the lemon and basil for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad enough for anyone who loves fresh, zesty flavors and easy prep. If you want a dish that’s both satisfying and full of bright personality, give this one a try—your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you!

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