You’ve reached content that’s exclusive to AARP members.

To continue, you’ll need to become an AARP member. Join now, and you’ll have access to all the great content and features in Staying Sharp, plus more AARP member benefits.

Join AARP

Already a member?

Want to read more? Create an account on aarp.org.

A healthy lifestyle helps protect the brain. Make brain health a habit and register on aarp.org to access Staying Sharp.

Login to Unlock Access

Not Registered?

Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad With Greens

Add to My Favorites
My Favorites page is currently unavailable.

Add to My Favorites

Added to My Favorites

Completed

For a healthy variation on creamy chicken salad, we’ve replaced half the mayonnaise with basil pesto. Serve over greens or make it into a sandwich for a healthy lunch.

Prep/Cook Time: 30 Minutes, Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 5-ounce package mixed salad greens (about 8 cups)
  • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

  1. Place chicken in a medium saucepan and add water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer gently until no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a clean cutting board; shred into bite-size pieces when cool enough to handle.
  2. Combine pesto, mayonnaise and onion in a medium bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Whisk oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add greens and tomatoes and toss to coat. Divide the green salad among 4 plates and top with the chicken salad.

© Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission.


AARP VALUE &
MEMBER BENEFITS