Indulge your taste buds in the textures and flavors of Crunchy Pesto Chicken Salad. This refreshing cold salad is a celebration of vibrant colors, wholesome vegetables, and succulent chicken, all generously coated in a luscious creamy pesto dressing.

this …

Video: Watch Me Make Crunchy Pesto Chicken Salad

What sets this salad apart is its clever combination of ingredients, bringing together crisp cabbage, nutty edamame, tender chicken, roasted broccoli, crispy pancetta, and sliced almonds. The medley of green onions, carrots, and corn adds a burst of freshness and sweetness.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the creamy pesto dressing that elevates the salad to new heights. The richness of the pesto, with its aromatic basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts, perfectly complements the crunchy texture of the vegetables and the hearty protein from the chicken. It’s a dressing that unites all the elements, creating a symmetrical flavor profile that will leave you craving more.

Grocery Store Staples Make This A Year-Round Favorite

What makes Pesto Chicken Salad even more enticing is its versatility. With the clever use of frozen vegetables and readily available grocery store staples, this recipe liberates you from the constraints of seasonal produce. You can use pre-made pesto and leftover rotisserie chicken. Enjoy the goodness of this salad year-round, whether you’re savoring it on a warm summer day or relishing its flavors in the heart of winter.

This creamy crunchy slaw doesn’t just tantalize the taste buds; it nourishes the body. Brimming with a bounty of vegetables and high-protein chicken, it’s a wholesome meal. So, whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning side dish for a gathering, let Crunchy Pesto Chicken Slaw be your go-to recipe.

Like This Salad Recipe? Here’s A Few More:

• Devilishly Good Egg Salad
• North Italia Tuscan Kale Salad
• Peach and Corn Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Savory Summer Pasta Salad
• Green Goddess Salad
• Jennifer Aniston Salad
• Thai Larb Spicy Pork Salad

PIN IT!

Crunchy Pesto Chicken Slaw

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: jzmcbride
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: serves 10 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge your taste buds in the textures and flavors of Crunchy Pesto Chicken Salad. This refreshing cold salad is a celebration of vibrant colors, wholesome vegetables, and succulent chicken, all generously coated in a luscious creamy pesto dressing.

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–ounces uncooked chopped pancetta
• 1 lb of cooked chicken*
• 16-ounce bag of frozen broccoli
• 2 cups sliced almonds
• 16-ounce bag frozen corn
• 12-ounce bag frozen shelled edamame
• 1 bunch green onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 2 12–ounce bags cole slaw mix*
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta for garnish

For the Dressing

• 1/3 cup pesto (store bought or homemade)
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Add chopped cabbage, carrots, green onion and almonds to a large bowl. I like to chop everything into small pieces.
2. Heat a large skillet and add pancetta. No need to add oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the fat renders and the meat is crispy.
3. Add the broccoli, corn, and edamame to the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, season with oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper and cook until the veggies are tender (10 – 12 min). Remove pan from heat.
4. While the veggies are cooking, whisk together pesto, sour cream, lemon juice until combined. Add a drizzle of olive oil to make the mixture pourable.
5. Add the cooked vegetables and chopped chicken to the cabbage mixture. Just before serving, toss with the creamy pesto dressing and top it with crumbled feta.

Notes

• If you can find multiple types of coleslaw mix/chopped cabbage, I like to mix up the colors
• Use any kind of pre-cooked chicken. I used leftover rotisserie chicken. You could also substitute chopped turkey breast, salmon or shrimp
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. Great for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: recipe