Fresh Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Name: Fresh Lemon Basil Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced; 2 stalks celery, finely chopped; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

A bright and zesty chicken salad that pairs perfectly with crackers or a fresh green salad.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· July 20, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

0 minutes

Total

1 hour 15 minutes

Serves

This chicken salad has become a favorite in my kitchen because it is so refreshing. The combination of lemon and fresh basil brings out a lightness that you just do not get with traditional heavy mayo salads.

I love keeping a batch of this in the fridge for easy lunches during the week. My favorite tip is to chill it for at least an hour before serving so all those bright herb flavors have time to really settle into the chicken.

🧺 Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the chopped celery.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh basil, and garlic powder until smooth.
3
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir everything together until well coated.
4
Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let the flavors blend.

💡 Tips

Serve this over a bed of mixed greens or inside a butter lettuce cup for a light crunch. If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

#chicken salad #lunch ideas #healthy #easy recipes #quick meal

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.