Name: Low-Carb Pesto Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 Cans Chicken (12-ounce cans ); 1/3 cup Homemade Pesto; 1/3 cup Red Onion (Chopped ); 10 Cherry Tomatoes (Sliced In Half ); 1 cup Fresh Basil; 1/4 cup Olive Oil; 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese; 1 tsp Minced Garlic; 1 tsp Lemon Juice

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This low carb pesto chicken salad will transform your lunch! Use canned chicken for a really easy and quick meal.

Pesto Chicken Salad

When you want a break from the ordinary, make this easy salad recipe. Not only does it have a refreshing taste, but it’s budget-friendly too. Since it uses canned chicken, all of the ingredients cost almost nothing. This is cheaper than fast food – and way better for you too.

Easy Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

You can certainly eat this just like it is – just grab a fork. I also like to put it on 90-second bread and it it like a sandwich. Some of my other favorite ways to eat this salad is on a cheese wrap or on top of some cucumber slices.

If you are craving pasta, then toss this mixture on some zucchini noodles. Then you’ll have a high-fiber and low-carb lunch that will certainly fill you up.

Best Healthy Pesto

Pesto is basically a spread/sauce that is made from basil and olive oil. It’s a very Greek or Mediterranean recipe and it’s one of my favorite sauces of all time because it’s so zesty.

When you make your own pesto, always use fresh basil, not dried. Fresh herbs have a ton more flavor and create a better texture too.

For this healthy pesto recipe, I also used fresh parmesan cheese. It adds a nuttier undertone to the salty pesto.

When you add lemon juice, try some fresh-squeeze lemon juice! This will bring out the bright flavors in the basil and garlic. When it’s all combined, the pesto is out of this world.

Low-Carb Canned Chicken Recipe

I love using canned chicken in my chicken salad recipes. I can buy canned chicken and then I know I always have protein in my pantry when I need it quickly.

Rotisserie chicken or any type of leftover cooked chicken will also work in this recipe too. Then, use the freshest ingredients that you can find – that is what elevates canned chicken into “amazing” status. To save time, you can definitely use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes, but the cherry tomatoes have a much better texture.

Pesto Chicken Recipe

There are lots of ways that you can change this recipe and make it your own. Top it with some crispy, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, or sliced jalapenos.

You can also save this pesto recipe and use it on top of your favorite low-carb noodles.

Healthy Chicken Salad Meal Prep

This is one of my favorite recipes for meal prep because it stores so well! To store it, just place it in your favorite resealable meal prep containers. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Add a few hard boiled eggs and your favorite salad greens for a hearty (and super easy) meal prep!

Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe

Here is the entire recipe in the printable recipe card. Don’t forget to pin this post to your keto lunch ideas board on Pinterest so you can find it later.

INGREDIENTS:

Canned chicken
Homemade pesto**see below
Red onion
Cherry tomatoes
Salt & pepper
Optional garnish: Parmesan cheese, fresh basil and/or a squeeze of lemon juice

**Homemade Pesto:

Basil
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Minced garlic
Lemon juice
Salt & pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a food processor, blend together all the ingredients for the homemade pesto.

In a bowl, combine canned chicken, pesto, onion, tomatoes and a dash of salt & pepper.

Toss well.

Garnish with fresh basil, additional shredded parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

ENJOY!

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