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.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 ripe peach (peeled and cut into quarters)
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 Tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons vinegar (Tarragon preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or less to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
Salad
- 2 ripe peaches (peeled and cubed)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 3 ribs celery (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sweet red bell pepper (chopped)
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.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe peaches that are firm yet juicy.
- You can adjust the sugar amount to suit your sweetness preference.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead to enhance flavor.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing taste.
- Add nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts for extra crunch if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming cooked chicken is pre-prepared)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Peach Basil Chicken Salad, chicken salad, summer salad, fruit salad, peach recipes, basil chicken, light lunch, healthy salad
