Name: Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken (store bought or homemade); ¼ cup red onion, finely diced; 1-2 celery stalks, finely diced; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup fresh basil, chopped; 2 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 Tbsp lemon zest; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ tsp salt (plus more if needed); ¼ tsp black pepper

I absolutely love whipping up this Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe whenever I want something bright, creamy, and protein-packed all at once. It’s one of those dishes that feels fresh and zesty thanks to the lemon and basil, yet comforting because of its creamy texture. I usually rely on shredded chicken — either store-bought or homemade — which makes this salad super fast to put together, perfect for busy days when I want a flavorful meal without spending ages in the kitchen. Whether eaten on its own, teamed with some crisp crackers, or piled into a sandwich, this salad never fails to satisfy me with its delightful balance of tang, herbaceous notes, and subtle richness.

Why You'll Love This Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe

For me, the real star of this Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe is the way the lemon and fresh basil brighten up classic chicken salad flavors. The lemon juice and zest add a vibrant zing that wakes up your taste buds, while the basil brings a fresh, garden-like aroma that’s so refreshing. I find this flavor combo incredibly uplifting, especially on warm days when something heavy just won’t do. Plus, the creamy mayo and Greek yogurt blend provides the perfect balance — not too heavy but still decadently smooth.

One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is. I can have it ready in just 15 minutes flat, which is a blessing on busy weeknights or when I need ready-to-go lunches during the week. You don’t have to fuss with complicated steps or long cooking times — just toss your ingredients together and you’re good to go. I appreciate how this simplicity doesn’t come at the cost of flavor; it’s a recipe that truly delivers on taste and convenience.

I also find this salad incredibly versatile, which makes it perfect for so many occasions. Whether I’m packing it for a picnic, serving it at a casual family dinner, or just craving a light but satisfying lunch, it hits the spot every time. Plus, because it uses straightforward, wholesome ingredients, it’s a breeze to customize and adapt to different tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl filled with shredded cooked chicken, placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a whole yellow lemon on the right, a small glass bowl of chopped red onion above two celery sticks lying side by side, and a small clove of garlic below them. Two small glass bowls contain white creamy sauces, and fresh green basil leaves are placed at the bottom right. Black pepper is sprinkled on the surface near the garlic. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but essential, each one adding its own unique flair to the salad — from the tender shredded chicken to the bright basil and zesty lemon. Together, they create a delicious blend of flavors, textures, and colors that make this salad so inviting.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Shredded chicken: I like to use cooked chicken tenders for tender texture, but leftover rotisserie chicken works great too.
Red onion: Finely diced for a bit of crunch and a mild bite that complements the creamy dressing.
Celery stalks: Adds fresh crispness and subtle earthiness that balances the lemon's brightness.
Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base that helps bind everything together deliciously.
Plain Greek yogurt: Gives tang and lightness, plus a boost of protein; also makes the salad feel fresh and creamy.
Fresh basil: The hallmark ingredient, chopped for a fragrant herbaceous note that’s simply irresistible.
Lemon juice & zest: These bring essential citrus flavor and freshness that elevate the whole dish.
Garlic clove: Minced to add subtle savory depth without overpowering the salad.
Salt & black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the flavors harmoniously.

Directions

Step 1: Start by adding your shredded chicken, diced red onion, and finely chopped celery into a large mixing bowl. This forms the hearty base of your salad with just the right amount of texture from the veggies.

Step 2: In a separate smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Pour the creamy lemon basil dressing over the chicken and veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together with a spatula until the salad is thoroughly coated and evenly mixed. I always taste it at this point and adjust the salt and pepper if needed — sometimes an extra pinch makes all the difference.

Step 4: Serve your salad immediately with your favorite crackers, or pile it onto fresh bread for a sandwich. It’s equally delicious chilled if you want to prepare it ahead of time for meal prep.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings, which is perfect for sharing or for packing lunches throughout the week. Prep time is a swift 15 minutes, making it ideal for a quick yet satisfying meal. There’s no cook time if you’re using pre-cooked chicken, so the total time is just 15 minutes. If you're making the shredded chicken yourself, allow an additional 20 minutes for baking and shredding. There’s no required resting or cooling time unless you prefer the salad chilled, which I highly recommend especially on warm days!

How to Serve This Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe

A close-up view of a gray bowl filled with a creamy mixture made of shredded white chicken, chopped green leafy vegetables, small purple onion pieces, and bits of celery, all blended together with a white creamy sauce, topped with two fresh green basil leaves. The bowl rests on a white plate decorated with golden brown round crackers sprinkled with black seeds around its edge. In the background, there are several lemon wedges with bright yellow and white colors placed on a white marbled surface. A vintage silver spoon is partially submerged in the mixture as if ready to serve. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this chicken salad chilled on a warm summer day with a side of crunchy crackers or freshly toasted bread. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some lightly steamed veggies to round out your meal. For a heartier option, try serving it alongside roasted potatoes or grain-based salads like quinoa or couscous. The lemon and basil flavors cut through richer sides so well!

When it comes to presentation, scattering a few extra basil leaves on top adds a lovely pop of color and fragrance that instantly makes the dish feel special and inviting. A little lemon wedge on the side not only looks great but lets guests add a burst of extra citrus if they wish. I usually serve mine in a glass bowl or pretty ceramic dish to highlight the beautiful colors of the chicken salad.

For beverage pairings, I’m a big fan of a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements the bright lemon and herbal notes perfectly. If wine isn’t your thing, sparkling water with a splash of fresh lemon juice or a light herbal iced tea pairs wonderfully, too. This salad is an excellent fit for casual lunches, picnics, or weekend gatherings where easy, fresh food shines.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe is how easy it is to customize! For instance, if you want to cut back on calories, swapping out full-fat mayonnaise for extra Greek yogurt makes it lighter without losing creaminess. If you prefer a vegan version, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas and use a vegan mayo or avocado as your creamy base.

To switch up flavors, I sometimes replace fresh basil with cilantro or dill for a different herbal twist. Adding a handful of toasted nuts or seeds gives a wonderful crunch and additional nutrition. Another fun variation is to toast the chicken lightly in a pan with some garlic and lemon peel for a warm, lightly caramelized touch before mixing it into the salad.

Cooking methods can also vary; if you’re short on time, a store-bought rotisserie chicken works fabulously. Or if you want that homemade touch, baking and shredding your own chicken breasts or tenders adds that fresh cooked flavor that’s unbeatable. For even quicker prep, shredded canned chicken (well rinsed) can be used in a pinch.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which sometimes doesn’t happen in my house!), store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and I prefer keeping it cold to maintain that fresh lemony basil flavor and the creamy texture. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best to prevent any odors from other foods from seeping in.

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing this salad because the creamy dressing and fresh herbs can lose their vibrant texture and flavor when thawed. The lettuce or veggie crispness also doesn't hold up well from freezing. If you want to prep the chicken in advance, it freezes beautifully before mixing, but assemble the salad fresh for the best taste.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you do want to warm up the chicken beforehand, I suggest heating it separately before mixing with the dressing, then serving immediately. Avoid microwaving the whole salad because the mayo and yogurt can curdle or separate, and the fresh herbs may wilt, altering the lovely texture and flavor balance.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves you time without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure to shred it well before mixing it into the salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread if you need to keep the whole meal gluten-free!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the salad up to a day ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. The flavors actually meld nicely as it rests. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.

What can I serve with this chicken salad?

I love pairing it with crunchy crackers, toasted bread, or a simple green salad. It also works well alongside roasted potatoes or a light grain salad for a more filling meal.

How do I make the chicken salad creamier?

If you prefer your chicken salad extra creamy, simply add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the dressing until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

I hope you’ll give this Easy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Recipe a try soon — it’s truly one of my favorite dishes to whip up when I want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying in a flash. The bright lemon and fragrant basil bring such a lovely twist to classic chicken salad, and the creamy texture keeps every bite delightful. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, a casual dinner, or packing it for meals on the go, I think you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again!