If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, you have to try this Peach Basil Chicken Salad. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a special treat but comes together so easily, combining juicy peaches, tender chicken, and the fragrant hint of fresh basil for a refreshing summer delight. The Peach Basil Chicken Salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a beautiful bowl filled with colorful, wholesome ingredients that are just begging to be shared with friends and family.

Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Peach Basil Chicken Salad is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the sweetness of ripe peaches to the crisp crunch of celery and the aromatic notes of fresh basil, these essentials turn simple components into something extraordinary.

1 ripe peach (peeled and cut into quarters): Using ripe peaches ensures maximum sweetness and juiciness which are key for this salad.
2 Tablespoons lemon juice: Adds a bright, acidic punch that keeps the peaches fresh and vibrant.
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For a smooth, slightly fruity richness in the dressing.
1/2 Tablespoon fresh basil (chopped): This herb adds a fragrant herbaceous note that elevates the dish beautifully.
2 1/2 Tablespoon vinegar (Tarragon recommended): Tarragon vinegar gives a subtle anise-like twist that balances the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering any of them.
1/2 teaspoon celery seed: Gives that subtle crunch and a whisper of earthiness in the dressing.
2 teaspoon sugar (or less to taste): Just a touch to round out the tangy elements in the dressing.
1/8 teaspoon coarse ground pepper: Adds a gentle warmth to the flavor profile.
1/3 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy texture that binds everything together pleasantly.
2 ripe peaches (peeled and cubed): Adds a fresh burst of peachiness in the salad itself!
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded): Tender and juicy, this protein makes the salad hearty and satisfying.
3 ribs celery (chopped): Crunchy and refreshing, celery brings an awesome texture contrast.
1/2 cup green onion (chopped): Mildly pungent for a subtle kick and its lovely green color.
1/2 cup sweet red bell pepper (chopped): Vibrant and sweet, this adds crunch and a pop of color.

How to Make Peach Basil Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by blending the dressing ingredients together—lemon juice, olive oil, fresh basil, tarragon vinegar, salt, celery seed, sugar, coarse ground pepper, and mayonnaise. Using either a blender or a hand blender, pulse everything until the dressing becomes smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the Peach Basil Chicken Salad, beautifully marrying the sweet and tangy flavors together, and giving the salad its signature luscious coating.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Next, shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl. Add the cubed peaches, chopped celery, green onion, and sweet red bell pepper. Each ingredient adds a fantastic textural and flavor element. The peaches bring juicy bursts of sweetness, while the celery and bell pepper provide crisp freshness that keeps every bite interesting.

Step 3: Toss and Chill

Pour your freshly prepared dressing over the salad mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. This step ensures the peach, chicken, and veggies soak up all those vibrant flavors. To let the flavors meld together and the salad chill perfectly, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting period truly transforms a simple salad into a showstopper.

Step 4: Ready to Serve

Once chilled, your Peach Basil Chicken Salad is ready to enjoy. Whether served on fresh rolls or atop crisp lettuce, this salad offers a delicious and refreshing meal or side that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Peach Basil Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can make your Peach Basil Chicken Salad even more delightful. Consider sprinkling fresh basil leaves on top or adding a few thin slices of peach to echo the flavors. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few toasted nuts can also bring an exciting crunch and extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

The salad pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides. Crisp green beans with almonds, a simple quinoa salad, or even a fresh fruit platter complement the sweet and savory notes of the Peach Basil Chicken Salad perfectly. If you’re aiming for a full meal, serving this salad alongside crusty bread and a chilled glass of white wine is an unbeatable combination.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Peach Basil Chicken Salad in hollowed-out peach halves for an elegant and colorful presentation. It also works beautifully as a filling for wraps or pita pockets when you want a handheld meal that’s bursting with flavor. Layered in a parfait glass or on a bed of mixed greens, the salad seems just as gorgeous as it tastes, making it perfect for dinner parties or picnic spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peach Basil Chicken Salad keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for the freshest texture and flavor. The peaches will remain juicy, and the dressing will keep everything deliciously moist without making the salad soggy.

Freezing

Because of the fresh peaches and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing is not recommended for this salad. Freezing will change the texture of the fruit and may cause the dressing to separate, which would disappoint the fresh, crisp experience you want from Peach Basil Chicken Salad.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. The cool, creamy dressing and fresh ingredients shine their brightest this way, making each bite a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Fresh peaches really make the difference here. Canned peaches tend to be softer and syrupy, which can weigh down the salad. If fresh peaches aren’t available, look for peaches packed in juice rather than syrup and drain them well.

Is it okay to substitute other herbs for basil?

While basil provides a unique aroma and flavor that’s central to the recipe, fresh mint or tarragon can work as interesting alternatives, though they’ll change the flavor profile slightly. Basil adds a subtle sweetness and freshness that truly complements the peaches and chicken.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the cooked chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based chicken alternative, and swap mayonnaise for vegan mayo. The peaches, veggies, and dressing still bring plenty of vibrant flavor and texture for an equally delightful experience.

How long can I refrigerate the salad before it goes bad?

The salad is best consumed within 2-3 days of preparation. After that, the peaches may start to lose their firmness and the dressing’s freshness might fade, so keeping it chilled and covered tightly is key.

What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?

You can shred cooked chicken easily by pulling it apart with two forks, or for an even quicker method, use your hands once the chicken is cool enough to handle. This creates perfect bite-sized, tender pieces that mix well with the salad ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Peach Basil Chicken Salad is truly one of those recipes that bring sunshine to your table. The harmony of juicy peaches, fragrant basil, and tender chicken makes it a standout dish to enjoy any time you crave something fresh and flavorful. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—you just might find yourself making it again and again!

Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and flavorful Peach Basil Chicken Salad that combines tender shredded chicken with juicy peaches, fresh basil, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a crisp texture from celery and bell pepper.

Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a blender or using a hand blender, combine the peeled quartered peach, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh basil, tarragon vinegar, salt, celery seed, sugar, coarse ground pepper, and mayonnaise. Blend until smooth and well combined. Set the dressing aside.
Prepare the salad: Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the cubed peaches, chopped celery, green onion, and sweet red bell pepper.
Combine salad and dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and peach mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill the salad: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to develop its full flavor.
Serve: Once chilled, serve the Peach Basil Chicken Salad on sandwich rolls for a delicious sandwich or over a bed of lettuce for a lighter meal.