How long does Lemon Basil Chicken Salad last in the refrigerator?

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. The lemon dressing helps maintain freshness while the basil continues to infuse flavor. For the best taste and texture, stir the Lemon Basil Chicken Salad before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Can I make Lemon Basil Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is an excellent make-ahead recipe. Preparing the salad several hours in advance allows the lemon, basil, and dressing to blend together beautifully. Many people find that Lemon Basil Chicken Salad tastes even better after chilling because the flavors have time to develop.

What type of chicken works best for Lemon Basil Chicken Salad?

You can use several types of chicken when making Lemon Basil Chicken Salad. Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest options because it is already cooked and tender. Grilled chicken breasts or poached chicken also work well and add their own subtle flavor to the Lemon Basil Chicken Salad.

Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Description

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is a bright, refreshing dish made with tender chicken, fresh basil, and a creamy lemon dressing. This light yet satisfying salad is perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or serving over fresh greens for a healthy lunch or easy meal prep option.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken by shredding or dicing cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large mixing bowl.
Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly, then slice them into thin ribbons and set aside.
Finely chop the celery and red onion to add crunch and flavor to the salad.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and olive oil until smooth and creamy.
Season the dressing with salt and black pepper, then taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Add the chicken, chopped celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
Gently toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the lemon dressing.
Fold in the sliced basil and mix lightly to distribute the herb flavor throughout the salad.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Lemon Basil Chicken Salad for about 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve chilled in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or over a bed of fresh greens.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe and saves preparation time.
For a lighter version, replace the mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt.
Add diced avocado, chopped almonds, or cucumber for extra texture.
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg