Fantastic Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Bright, refreshing, and packed with vibrant, zesty flavors, this Fantastic Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is the ultimate summer recipe. Made with tender, pan-seared chicken breast, crisp veggies like celery, cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing infused with fresh basil, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt, this salad strikes the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. The hint of lemon zest and fragrant basil elevates each bite, while the combination of mayo and yogurt ensures a velvety texture. Ready in just 35 minutes—including cooking and prep—this versatile dish can be served chilled on a bed of greens, tucked into a sandwich, or accompanied by crispy crackers for a light, refreshing meal. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a wholesome and satisfying twist on a classic chicken salad.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 whole Lemon
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup Mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup Plain Greek yogurt
• 2 stalks Celery
• 0.25 cup Red onion
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium Cucumber

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Set aside to cool.

Step 3

While the chicken cools, zest and juice the lemon. Set aside the zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

Step 4

Finely chop the fresh basil leaves and celery. Dice the red onion, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and dice the cucumber.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until creamy and smooth. Stir in the lemon zest and chopped basil.

Step 6

Cut the cooled chicken into bite-sized cubes and add it to the dressing mixture. Then fold in the celery, red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.

Step 7

Gently toss everything together until fully coated in the dressing.

Step 8

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 10

Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(983.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1395.4

Total Fat 85.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 350.9mg	0%
Sodium 2808.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 38.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.1g	0%
Total Sugars 12.9g
Protein 117.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 204.5mg	0%
Iron 4.8mg	0%
Potassium 981.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.3%

Protein: 33.7%

Carbs: 11.0%