Easy & Refreshing Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe

Tired of the same old lunch routine? Ready to inject some sunshine and zest into your midday meal? Get ready to meet your new obsession: the ultimate Lemon Basil Chicken Salad! Forget boring and bland – this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a flavor fiesta that’s shockingly easy to whip up. Imagine tender chicken, bright lemon, fragrant basil, and a creamy, tangy dressing all coming together in under 10 minutes. Yes, you read that right – 10 minutes! Whether you’re a busy bee needing a quick fix or just craving something spectacularly fresh, this Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is about to become your go-to hero. Let’s dive into deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe

This isn’t just any chicken salad; it’s a game-changer! Here are four compelling reasons why our Lemon Basil Chicken Salad will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• Lightning Fast & Effortlessly Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and zero cooking required (assuming you have cooked chicken), this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or a quick lunch assembly. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned chefs alike!
• Packed with Protein, Low on Carbs: Fuel your day the right way! Each serving boasts an impressive 38.1g of protein and a mere 1.5g total carbs, making it an ideal choice for a healthy, satisfying, and energy-boosting meal without the heavy carb load.
• A Burst of Fresh & Zesty Flavors: The combination of vibrant lemon zest and aromatic fresh basil creates an incredibly bright and refreshing taste profile. Paired with savory spices and a creamy yogurt-mayo base, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness that will awaken your taste buds.
• Incredibly Versatile & Customizable: This Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Enjoy it in countless ways – from classic sandwiches to elegant lettuce wraps, it adapts perfectly to your mood and dietary preferences. It’s the ultimate flexible meal!

Ingredients for Your Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Gather your simple yet mighty ingredients to create this fantastic Lemon Basil Chicken Salad. Freshness is key here to really make those flavors sing!

• 8 ounces cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped (packed)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Detailed Directions: Crafting Your Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Creating this irresistible Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow these simple steps for a perfect, flavorful result every time:

1. Whip Up the Creamy Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Grab a whisk and give it a good stir until the mixture is beautifully smooth and all the spices are evenly incorporated. This forms the delicious base of your chicken salad.
2. Introduce Your Stars: Now for the good stuff! Gently add your cooked chicken (whether you prefer it cubed for a hearty bite or shredded for a softer texture), the vibrant finely chopped fresh basil, and the bright, fragrant lemon zest into the bowl with the dressing.
3. Fold and Enjoy: Using a spatula or large spoon, carefully fold all the ingredients together. Continue stirring until every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with that amazing lemon basil dressing. Once everything is evenly mixed and looking absolutely delicious, your Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is ready to be devoured!

Creative Ways to Serve Your Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

One of the best things about this delightful Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is its incredible versatility! Here are some fun and delicious ways to present and serve your creation:

• Classic Sandwich or Wrap: Pile it high on your favorite bread, a croissant, or in a whole-wheat tortilla for a satisfying and portable lunch. Add some crisp lettuce or a slice of tomato for extra crunch.
• Light & Healthy Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb, refreshing option, scoop generous portions into large lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts). It’s crunchy, cool, and keeps things extra light.
• Elevated Green Salad: Transform your ordinary garden salad into something extraordinary! Serve a dollop or two of the Lemon Basil Chicken Salad over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
• Perfect with Crackers & Veggies: Offer it as a delightful dip or spread with a side of whole-grain crackers, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or celery. Great for snacking or appetizers!
• Stuffed Avocados or Bell Peppers: Halve an avocado or a small bell pepper (any color!), remove the pit/seeds, and fill it with your chicken salad. It’s a beautiful and nutritious way to serve it.
• On Toasted English Muffins or Rice Cakes: For a quick and easy breakfast or snack, spread it on toasted English muffin halves or crispy rice cakes.

Storing Your Lemon Basil Chicken Salad: Freshness Guaranteed

Good news! This Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is fantastic for meal prep and can be enjoyed for several days. To keep it tasting its best:

• Airtight Container is Key: Transfer any leftover chicken salad into a clean, airtight container. This prevents air exposure, which can dry out the chicken and diminish the freshness of the basil and lemon.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Always store your chicken salad in the refrigerator. Due to the dairy (Greek yogurt) and mayonnaise, it should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• How Long Does It Last?: When stored correctly in the refrigerator, your delicious Lemon Basil Chicken Salad will stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, the quality might start to decline, and it’s best to consume it within this timeframe.
• Freezing Not Recommended: Unfortunately, chicken salad made with mayonnaise and Greek yogurt does not freeze well. The texture of both the dressing and the chicken can become watery and unpleasant upon thawing, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh from the fridge!

FAQs About Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

1. Can I use canned chicken for this Lemon Basil Chicken Salad?
   Absolutely! While freshly cooked chicken breast offers the best texture, canned chicken (drained and flaked) is a convenient substitute that works perfectly well, especially for a super quick meal.
2. What if I don’t have fresh basil? Can I use dried?
   Fresh basil truly makes this recipe shine! If you must use dried, use about 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, as its flavor is much more concentrated. However, we highly recommend fresh for the best results.
3. Can I substitute Greek yogurt with something else?
   You can use all mayonnaise for a richer salad, or sour cream for a similar tangy profile. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan mayonnaise or a plain unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative.
4. Is this Lemon Basil Chicken Salad gluten-free?
   Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any accompaniments (like bread or crackers) are also gluten-free if you need to maintain a strict gluten-free diet.
5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   To make it dairy-free, substitute the plain Greek yogurt with a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative (like almond or coconut-based yogurt) or simply use all vegan mayonnaise.
6. Can I make this Lemon Basil Chicken Salad ahead of time?
   Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep! You can make it 1-2 days in advance. The flavors often meld and deepen beautifully overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
7. What kind of cooked chicken breast is best for this recipe?
   Any cooked chicken breast works! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken, poached chicken, or even store-bought rotisserie chicken (skin removed) are all fantastic options.
8. Can I add other vegetables to my Lemon Basil Chicken Salad?
   Definitely! Finely diced celery, red onion, bell peppers, or even a handful of chopped spinach would be delicious additions to add extra crunch and nutrients.
9. How can I make this chicken salad spicier?
   For a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce to the dressing, or even finely diced jalapeño for some extra heat.
10. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
    Absolutely! Its quick prep time, high protein content, and good shelf life (3-4 days in the fridge) make this Lemon Basil Chicken Salad an ideal candidate for healthy meal prepping.

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

A light and refreshing chicken salad featuring zesty lemon and aromatic basil, perfect for a quick and healthy lunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 2 servings

Calories 347 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces cooked chicken breast cubed or shredded
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped (packed)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
• Gently fold in the cooked chicken, fresh basil, and lemon zest. Stir until everything is evenly coated and ready to enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition per serving: Calories: 347 kcal, Total Carbs: 1.5 g, Net Carbs: 1.3 g, Fats: 19.9 g, Protein: 38.1 g.