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If you love the bright, aromatic flavour of summer herbs, this healthy basil recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken breast is tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a generous handful of fresh basil leaves. The simple lemon–olive oil dressing lets the basil shine without overpowering the other ingredients. Whether you serve it as a quick lunch or a light dinner, this dish proves that basil recipes can be effortless, nutritious, and completely satisfying. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a feel‑good meal that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
Healthy
Easy
Healthy Basil Chicken Salad
Discover how bright, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tender chicken come together with fresh basil in this simple, healthy basil recipe. Perfect for a light lunch or easy dinner.
Ingredients
4
💡 Chef Tip
Tear the basil leaves by hand instead of chopping them – this prevents bruising and keeps the herb’s delicate oils and aroma intact.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving
Calories
360 kcal
Protein
32 g
Carbs
12 g
Fat
21 g
Fiber
6 g
Sugar
4 g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Instructions
1
Season chicken breasts with half of the salt and pepper.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
3
Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4
Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
5
In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
6
Whisk the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper for the dressing.
7
Add sliced chicken and fresh basil leaves to the salad bowl.
8
Drizzle the lemon dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
9
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours and toss again before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, sliced grilled or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just skip the cooking step and add it cold to the salad.
Toss the diced avocado in a little lemon juice before adding it, and assemble the salad just before serving. The dressing also helps slow browning.
Absolutely. Keep the chicken, greens, and dressing separate, then combine with fresh basil and avocado on the day of eating for best results.
Fresh mozzarella, grilled shrimp, roasted peppers, or cucumber all pair nicely. This salad is very flexible as a base for many basil recipes.
Mint or cilantro make a different but equally fresh salad. However, for true basil recipes, the aromatic basil is irreplaceable.
All the fresh, simple ingredients you need for a delicious basil recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✓ Packed with fresh basil flavour
✓ Ready in under 30 minutes
✓ High-protein and low-carb
✓ Great for meal prep
✓ Naturally gluten-free
Equipment Needed
🧰 Non-stick frying pan
🧰 Sharp knife
🧰 Cutting board
🧰 Large mixing bowl
🧰 Small whisk or fork
🧰 Measuring spoons
Recipe Notes
- If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, use diced Roma tomatoes.
- Basil is best used fresh; dried basil won’t give the same bright taste.
🧊 Storage Tips
Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before eating to prevent sogginess.
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
Slice chicken, halve tomatoes, and prepare the dressing up to 1 day ahead. Assemble with avocado and basil right before serving.
🍴 Kitchen Picks
Helpful tools that make this recipe easier and more enjoyable.
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless 1-Quart Saucepan
Essential for making sauces or pesto which may incorporate basil.
Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System BL770
Ideal for blending ingredients for basil recipes like pesto or smoothies.
Pyrex Essentials 3-Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set
Useful for measuring ingredients accurately when preparing basil recipes.
The finished basil chicken salad looks as good as it tastes – light, fresh, and bursting with herbs.
📋 Recipe Summary
⏱️
27 Min
27 Min
👨🍳
Easy
Easy
🍽️
4 Servings
4 Servings
🔥
360 kcal
360 kcal
- ✓ Packed with fresh basil flavour
- ✓ Ready in under 30 minutes
- ✓ High-protein and low-carb
- ✓ Great for meal prep
- ✓ Naturally gluten-free
We hope this fresh take on basil recipes inspires you to keep a bunch of basil in your kitchen at all times. This healthy basil chicken salad is just one of many ways to turn a handful of fragrant leaves into a complete, nourishing meal. Try it next time you need a quick, protein‑packed lunch that tastes like summer on a plate.
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