If you’re short on time but still want a meal packed with flavor, this simple pesto chicken salad – 3-ingredients! – is your answer. With tender shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy Greek yogurt, and bold pesto, this dish is as easy as mix, chill, and serve. It’s perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or a protein-packed lunch on top of greens.
You don’t need fancy tools or extra steps. Just one bowl and three ingredients. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or need a last-minute dinner, this recipe delivers freshness and protein with very little effort.
The Salad That Saves the Day
A recipe born from lunchbox boredom
This recipe came together the way many great ones do out of desperation. One afternoon, the fridge held just a half-used container of pesto, some leftover rotisserie chicken, and a tub of plain Greek yogurt. Not exactly inspiring at first glance. But when I combined them in a bowl and gave it a quick stir, it turned into something fresh, creamy, and surprisingly satisfying.
The pesto gave the chicken a bright, herby flavor. The yogurt added just the right amount of tang and creaminess. No mayo needed. It was flavorful, protein-rich, and ready in five minutes.
Since then, this simple pesto chicken salad has become a staple for quick weekday lunches and no-fuss dinners. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you actually planned ahead, even when you didn’t.
Why this simple pesto chicken salad – 3-ingredients! – is a keeper
It’s not just about being easy. This salad is actually crave-worthy. The Greek yogurt keeps it light but creamy. The pesto brings in bold basil and garlic flavor without needing extra seasoning. And using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cuts prep time down to almost nothing.
You can serve it a hundred different ways on toast, in a croissant, over lettuce, or wrapped in a tortilla. It stores well too, so it’s perfect for meal prep or packed lunches.
Simple Pesto Chicken Salad – 3-Ingredients!
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix together and serve in a wrap, on toast or a croissant or on top of lettuce like arugula, kale or romaine.
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken,¾ cup plain Greek yogurt,6 oz pesto
Notes
- Make ahead: Meal prep this recipe and make ahead for a week’s full of lunches.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.4g | Protein: 39.2g | Fat: 19.3g
Ingredients and How to Make It
Only three ingredients, endless flavor
What makes this simple pesto chicken salad stand out is how much taste you get from just a few components. You don’t need a long grocery list. Everything mixes in one bowl, and it’s done in minutes. Here’s all you need:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped. Using store-bought saves time, but any cooked chicken works.
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess and protein without the heaviness of mayo.
- 6 oz pesto, store-bought or homemade. Go for a high-quality brand with basil, garlic, and real olive oil.
These three ingredients come together for a bold, herby, and creamy chicken salad that feels light but filling. If you want to make your own pesto, the traditional trio is fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan blended with olive oil and garlic.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded Chicken | 2 cups |
| Greek Yogurt | ¾ cup |
| Pesto | 6 oz |
Step-by-step instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to combine everything until the chicken is fully coated in the pesto-yogurt blend.
- Taste and adjust, if needed. You can add a pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon juice, but it’s flavorful on its own.
- Serve immediately, or chill it in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors settle.
Variations, Serving Ideas, and Storage Tips
Easy ways to switch it up
This simple pesto chicken salad – 3-ingredients! – is great on its own, but it also works as a base for fun add-ins. If you’re looking to change things up or stretch the recipe for more servings, here are a few options:
- Add crunch: Chopped celery, toasted walnuts, or sliced almonds can give it a crisp texture.
- Add sweetness: Try halved grapes, dried cranberries, or a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes can brighten the mix.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in grated Parmesan or a bit of crumbled feta for added richness.
These upgrades aren’t necessary, but they’re easy ways to customize your chicken salad without complicating the prep.
How to serve it
The beauty of this recipe is how many ways you can enjoy it. It’s just as good cold out of the fridge as it is freshly made.
Try serving it:
- In a wrap with baby spinach or arugula
- On toasted sourdough or ciabatta
- Stuffed inside a croissant for a fancy lunch
- Over romaine, kale, or mixed greens for a low-carb option
- Scooped into mini bell peppers or cucumbers for bite-sized snacks
You can double the batch for easy lunches all week or serve it at gatherings as a no-fuss, protein-rich dish.
How to store it
Once mixed, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it great for meal prep. Just stir before serving to redistribute the pesto and yogurt.
Part 4: Nutrition, FAQs, and Why It Works
Light but filling: nutrition breakdown
This simple pesto chicken salad – 3-ingredients! – balances lean protein with healthy fats and minimal carbs. Here’s the nutritional info per serving (based on four servings):
- Calories: 352
- Protein: 39.2g
- Fat: 19.3g
- Carbohydrates: 5.4g
- Sugar: Low, mostly from yogurt
- Fiber: Minimal, depending on toppings or sides
The Greek yogurt offers calcium and gut-friendly probiotics while keeping the dish creamy and light. Pesto adds a rich flavor without needing extra sauces or salt.
Answers to Common Questions
How to make pesto chicken salad?
Mix shredded rotisserie chicken, plain Greek yogurt, and pesto in a bowl until combined. Serve chilled or fresh on bread, wraps, or greens.
What are the three ingredients in pesto sauce?
Traditional pesto includes basil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Most versions also have garlic, olive oil, and salt to round out the flavor and create a smooth sauce.
What are the 4 ingredients in chicken salad?
A basic chicken salad usually includes cooked chicken, mayo or yogurt, a crunchy mix-in like celery, and a seasoning such as mustard or herbs. From there you can add extras like onions, nuts, or fruit.
Can you mix pesto with chicken?
Yes. Pesto pairs perfectly with chicken. It adds herbaceous, garlicky flavor and richness without needing extra ingredients, and works well in pasta, salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Conclusion
This simple pesto chicken salad – 3-ingredients! – is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s fast, fresh, and packed with bold flavor from ingredients you probably already have. Whether you need a quick lunch, a protein-packed meal prep option, or an easy dish to share, this one delivers every time. With no chopping required and just one bowl to clean, it proves that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. Give it a try, and enjoy a meal that’s as effortless as it is satisfying.