Name: Lemon Basil Chicken Salad for Supper
Yield: 4

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is fresh and full of flavor. Tender chicken, crisp celery, and the most amazing lemon-basil dressing!

author’s note

This Is Not Your Average Chicken Salad!

It is satisfying to coming up with new flavors for chicken salad, and this one might be a reliable lately. It’s light, fresh, and super herby, and I keep finding myself making it again and again.

Lemon and basil are two flavors I’m always drawn to, so this combo was an straightforward yes. The lemon makes everything taste bright and fresh, and the basil adds that little pop of flavor that takes it over the top.

I’ve been eating this on repeat. Sometimes I keep it light and scoop it onto cucumber slices with the seeds scooped out, and other times I go all in with toasted whole-grain bread, lettuce, and avocado. Either way, it’s so good and so straightforward.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Lemon Basil Chicken Salad:

Ingredient	Tip or Swap
Rotisserie chicken	Dice small for the best texture. Lemon-pepper chicken adds extra flavor.
Fresh basil	Chop very fine so you get it in every bite.
Lemon zest & juice	Zest first for stronger flavor, then juice. Bottled juice won’t taste the same.
Mayo & sour cream	Use both for the best creamy balance. Greek yogurt works if needed.
Dijon mustard	Adds depth and helps the dressing stay smooth.
Celery	Cut small for crunch without overpowering the salad.
Freeze-dried dill	A game changer when fresh isn’t on hand or when you don’t want to chop more.

Dressing whisked together in a bowl for this lemon-basil chicken salad.

How to Serve Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

On bread or croissants: Makes a satisfying sandwich. Add lettuce and avocado for extra flavor.
In lettuce wraps: Light and fresh. Avocado is a great addition here too!
With crackers: reliable for snacking or as a party spread.
Stuffed in a pita: Add lettuce and avocado for a tasty combo.
In a wrap: Roll it up in a tortilla for an straightforward meal.
With cucumber slices: Crisp, refreshing, and great for a light bite.

Add all the other ingredients to the bowl with the dressing and mix everything together.

Storage

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Leftovers

Fridge: Best the same day, but leftovers keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Basil may darken over time.
Mix before serving: The dressing can separate, so give it a quick stir.
No freezing: Mayo-based dressings don’t hold up well in the freezer.