Pesto Chicken Salad: A Flavorful and Versatile Recipe

Pesto chicken salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer. It is made with cooked chicken, pesto sauce, mayonnaise, and a variety of vegetables. Pesto chicken salad can be served on a sandwich, in a wrap, or on top of a salad.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 1/2 cup pesto sauce
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped carrots
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, pesto sauce, mayonnaise, red onion, celery, and carrots.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stir until well combined.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips:

* For a vegetarian version of this salad, you can substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken.
* You can also add other vegetables to this salad, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or cucumbers.
* If you don't have any pesto sauce on hand, you can make your own by combining basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts in a food processor.
* Pesto chicken salad is a great make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations:

* Add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
* Stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
* Top with crumbled bacon or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve pesto chicken salad on a sandwich with your favorite bread.
* Use it as a filling for a wrap or tortilla.
* Top a salad with pesto chicken salad for a delicious and healthy meal.
* Enjoy pesto chicken salad as a light snack or appetizer.

Pesto chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken and it is also a healthy and flavorful option for lunch or dinner.