Best 2 Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipes

Feast your taste buds on a delightful culinary journey with our Lemon Basil Chicken Salad! This refreshing and flavorful salad is a symphony of zesty lemon, aromatic basil, and tender chicken, creating a dish that is both satisfying and invigorating. Whether you're seeking a light lunch option, a flavorful side dish, or a protein-packed snack, this salad delivers on all fronts. With its vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and explosion of flavors, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through three variations of this delectable salad:

1. Classic Lemon Basil Chicken Salad: Experience the timeless combination of juicy chicken, tangy lemon, aromatic basil, mayonnaise, and a hint of Dijon mustard. This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

2. Avocado and Lemon Basil Chicken Salad: Indulge in a creamy and nutritious twist on the classic. This variation incorporates ripe avocados, adding a velvety texture and a boost of healthy fats. With its vibrant green hue, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

3. Mediterranean Lemon Basil Chicken Salad: Embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with this flavorful rendition. This salad features a delightful blend of sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, adding a touch of tangy sweetness and savory richness.

With step-by-step instructions, insightful tips, and stunning visuals, this guide will empower you to create mouthwatering Lemon Basil Chicken Salad variations that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Get ready to elevate your culinary skills and savor the vibrant flavors of this refreshing dish!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LEMON-BASIL CHICKEN-PASTA SALAD

Lemon-Basil Chicken-Pasta Salad image

Make a chicken pasta salad for dinner tonight. A homemade dressing with garlic, basil and Parm makes it delicious.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 1h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon salt (for cooking pasta), if desired
2 cups uncooked rotini or rotelle (spiral) pasta (6 oz)
10 asparagus stalks (about 8 oz)
1 clove garlic or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
5 oz cooked chicken or turkey
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (2 oz)
1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

Steps:

Fill a 4-quart Dutch oven about half full of water. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt if desired. Cover with lid; heat over high heat until water is boiling rapidly. Add the pasta. Heat to boiling again. Boil uncovered 9 to 11 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender but not mushy. While water is heating and pasta is cooking, continue with recipe.
Break off and discard the tough ends of the asparagus stalks where they snap easily; wash asparagus. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces to measure 2 cups. Add asparagus to the pasta during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.
Peel and finely chop the garlic. Cut the chicken into 1/2-inch cubes to measure about 2 cups. Tear the basil leaves lengthwise into narrow strips.
Place strainer or colander in the sink. Pour pasta and asparagus in the strainer to drain. Rinse with cold water; drain.
In a large glass or plastic bowl, toss pasta, asparagus and chicken. Stir in garlic, basil, cheese, oil and lemon peel. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440, Carbohydrate 39 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 250 mg, Sugar 1 g, TransFat 0 g

FANTASTIC LEMON BASIL CHICKEN SALAD

Fantastic Lemon Basil Chicken Salad image

An incredibly fantastic chicken salad, perfect for summertime entertaining! Also great tossed with cooked bow-tie pasta, which makes a more substantial meal. This is so delicious, one of my all-time favorite chicken salads!! Slightly adapted from a Paula Deen recipe.

Provided by BecR2400

Categories Chicken

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

4 cups diced cooked chicken
1 rib minced celery
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaf
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 lemon, juice of
1 teaspoon finely minced fresh lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
3 cups cooked bow tie pasta (optional)

Steps:

In a medium bowl, combine chicken, celery, basil and almonds.
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon, salt, pepper and onions. Add to chicken mixture (add pasta if using), tossing gently to coat.
Cover and chill.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300, Fat 18.8, SaturatedFat 5, Cholesterol 85.1, Sodium 438.2, Carbohydrate 7.2, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 2.5, Protein 25.1

Tips:

For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and basil.
If you don't have roasted red peppers, you can use jarred roasted red peppers, drained and chopped.
To make the chicken salad more creamy, add 1/4 cup of mayonnaise.
Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or in a croissant or wrap.
Garnish the chicken salad with additional basil leaves, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of paprika.

Conclusion:

This lemon basil chicken salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The combination of lemon, basil, and roasted red peppers gives the chicken salad a unique and delicious flavor. This chicken salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...

Check it out »

#60-minutes-or-less #time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #preparation #occasion #very-low-carbs #lunch #poultry #easy #chicken #dietary #sandwiches #low-carb #low-in-something #meat #chicken-breasts #brunch #3-steps-or-less