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    Allianna's Kitchen » Diet » Allergy Friendly

    Published: Jul 16, 2021 · Modified: Jul 27, 2021 by Allianna Moximchalk · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Pesto Chicken Salad (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

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    This pesto chicken salad is creamy and oh so fresh. The fresh basil mixed with the spinach, pine nuts and fresh garlic is oh so delicious. This paleo chicken salad makes for the easiest on the go lunch.

    up close photo of chicken salad

     

    After getting raving reviews from my personal cheffing clients about this recipe, I figured it needed a spot on the blog! Chicken salad has been one of the most requested recipes lately. This recipe is super simple and perfect for those of you that like to meal prep too. 

    chicken salad ingredients in bowls

    Ingredients:

    • Cooked cubed chicken breast-I like my chicken salad chicken cubed rather than shredded but you can totally shred yours. I always use Butcher Box for all of my protein needs. They send me a box of the highest quality proteins every month. I keep it in the freezer and all I have to do is defrost the night before. 
    • Avocado mayo-This is the paleo alternative to conventional mayo. It is made with either avocado oil or olive oil which is better for us than the canola oil that is used in regular mayo.
    • For the paleo pesto
    • Nutritional yeast-This is totally optional but this is what gives the pesto a cheesy like flavor. Nutritional yeast is widely used in paleo cooking to give dishes a cheesy flavor.
    • Garlic-This adds so much flavor to the pesto sauce.
    • Spinach-To get some extra greens in!
    • Pine nuts-To give the pesto that nutty flavor.
    • Olive oil-The best fat to add to the pesto sauce. Avocado oil would work too but it could affect the flavor. 
    • Fresh basil-This is what makes the pesto! I like to make sure my herbs are organic if possible.

    pesto sauce in a blender

    How to make pesto chicken salad:

    • First, cube or shred the chicken into small bite size pieces. 
    • Secondly, make the pesto! Add all of the pesto ingredients to a food processor. I like this food processor HERE. Blend the ingredients in the food processor until smooth.
    • Next, once the pesto is done, add the pesto, avocado mayo, and chicken to a bowl and mix all throughout.

    chicken salad and ingredients in a bowl

    What goes well with pesto chicken salad?

    • I love to eat this over greens or with these paleo crackers or celery!

    pesto chicken salad all mixed with a spoon

    How long does this last?

    • Up to 5 days in the fridge.

    Is this Whole30 friendly?

    • Yes, this whole30 chicken salad is also keto/ low carb friendly too.

    far out shot of chicken in a bowl with tomatoes and celery

    If you like this recipe, you will LOVE my other chicken recipes on my blog:

    • Whole30 Chicken Salad
    • Paleo Buffalo Wings
    • Everything Bagel Seasoned Wings With Garlic Aioli
    • Dairy Free Buffalo Chicken Dip
    • Paleo Mexican Lasagna 

    Hey-you’ve made it this far! If you make this recipe, I would love for you to give it a star ★ rating and review below. Make sure you are following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!

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    pesto chicken salad 19 scaled

    Pesto Chicken Salad

    Course Appetizer, Lunch, Meals
    Cuisine American
    Keyword easy, keto, whole30, whole30 chicken salad
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 5 people
    Author Allianna Moximchalk
    709kcal
    Cost $10
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Equipment

    • Large bowl

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds cooked chicken breast cubed or shredded
    • 1/2 cup avocado mayo You can add more if you like your chicken salad to be creamier.
    • 1/3 cup pine nuts
    • 6 cloves garlic
    • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
    • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 cup spinach
    • 2 cups basil

    Instructions

    • Place all ingredients aside from the avocado mayo and chicken in the food processor and blend until smooth. Add the pesto, chicken, and avocado mayo to a bowl and mix until mixed throughout.
    • If you enjoyed this recipe it would mean the world to me if you rated it and left a comment below. It helps others find it on google.

    Notes

    Hey-you’ve made it this far! If you make this recipe, I would love for you to give it a star ★ rating and review below. Make sure you are following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
    Quick and easy chicken salad lunch or appetizer.
    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 709kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 269mg | Potassium: 625mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1110IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag me on instagram @alliannaskitchen!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lori says

      February 14, 2022 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a great meal! The pesto and the chicken pair sooo well together

      Reply
      • Allianna Moximchalk says

        February 14, 2022 at 1:47 pm

        Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    2. Mel says

      April 09, 2022 at 11:10 am

      Holy yum does this look good Allianna! Can wait to make it. I’ll let you know how it turns out. You always come up with such amazing creations. Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Allianna Moximchalk says

        April 09, 2022 at 2:46 pm

        Thank you so much Mel!!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Allianna! Allianna's Kitchen started by accident after battling an undiagnosed autoimmune disease for nearly my whole life.

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