Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels both fresh and indulgent at the same time. The juicy sweetness of peaches paired with aromatic basil and tender shredded chicken creates a flavor combo that’s just irresistible—trust me, your taste buds will thank you. This salad works wonders as a simple lunch, a lighter dinner, or even a crowd-pleaser at summer gatherings.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the tangy dressing, with a hint of tarragon vinegar and a touch of sugar, perfectly complements the fruits and veggies without overwhelming them. You’ll find that making it ahead of time—letting those flavors meld overnight—is a total game changer, so it’s great for prepping when you want a stress-free, delicious meal ready to go.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The balance of sweet peaches, savory chicken, and crisp veggies makes this Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe so satisfying. Each ingredient plays its part in delivering fresh flavors and satisfying textures, and you’ll want to pick the ripest peaches you can find for the best results.

• Ripe Peaches: Choose peaches that are soft but not mushy for the freshest taste and juiciest bite.
• Chicken Breasts: Cook and shred them yourself—homemade shredded chicken tastes better than deli meat here.
• Celery: Adds a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft peaches and chicken.
• Green Onion: Brings a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
• Sweet Red Bell Pepper: Sweetness and crunch and a pop of color make this salad even more inviting.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a fresh citrusy kick that brightens the dressing.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a silky richness that blends all the dressing’s flavors together.
• Fresh Basil: The herbal star of the dish—don’t skip this!
• Tarragon Vinegar: I love how its subtle licorice notes add complexity.
• Mayonnaise: Gives creaminess to the dressing, balancing the tart and sweet.
• Celery Seed: A small touch enhances the celery flavor in the salad.
• Sugar, Salt, and Pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the dressing’s taste.

Variations

I love to mix things up depending on the season or who’s coming over. This Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe is so adaptable—feel free to make it your own with just a few tweaks.

• Using Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayonnaise: When my family wanted a lighter version, swapping mayo for Greek yogurt gave it a tangy creaminess without sacrificing flavor.
• Add Toasted Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch—I sprinkle some on top just before serving when I want a nutty twist.
• Swap Herbs: If you can’t find fresh basil, fresh mint or cilantro can give a different but tasty herbal note.
• Make it Spicy: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing gives a lovely subtle heat that wakes up the palate.

How to Make Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Vegetables

First things first, cook your chicken breasts until they’re tender—poaching works great to keep them moist. Once cooled, shred the chicken finely; I like to use two forks or my hands for that perfect texture. Chop your celery, green onions, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, then peel and cube the peaches. Toss all these ingredients gently in a large bowl to combine.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing

This dressing is where the magic happens. Peel and quarter one ripe peach—this adds natural sweetness and body. Blend it together with lemon juice, olive oil, fresh basil, tarragon vinegar, salt, celery seed, sugar, pepper, and mayonnaise until silky smooth. Using a blender or hand blender makes it quick and easy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; I often add a touch more sugar depending on how sweet the peaches are.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Pour your luscious dressing over the chicken and peach mixture, then stir everything well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge overnight if you can—this resting time lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. If you’re in a rush, a few hours will do in a pinch, but I promise the wait is worth it.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

This Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe shines when served on fresh sandwich rolls or a bed of crisp lettuce. I love serving it with toasted croissants for a special brunch or a light dinner. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a tasty weeknight meal that feels fancy without a fuss.

How to Serve Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle some extra fresh chopped basil or a few torn basil leaves on top—it brightens the presentation and adds a fresh pop of flavor just before serving. Toasted nuts like pecans also make a fabulous crunchy garnish. If you like a little bite, thinly sliced radishes scattered on top add a peppery punch that contrasts nicely.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with a simple green salad or grilled vegetables for a colorful plate. Cold pasta salad or a crusty baguette are other favorites when I want some extra carbs. For something lighter, crisp cucumber slices with a squeeze of lemon make a refreshing sidekick.

Creative Ways to Present

For summer parties, I like to serve the Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or stacked inside lettuce cups—great for guests to grab-and-go. Another fun idea is to make bite-sized lettuce wraps or pile it onto artisan crackers as an appetizer. Presentation can be simple but feeling a little fancy turns this into a real showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; it typically stays fresh for up to 3 days. I’ve found that the peaches maintain their texture if kept chilled well, but I wouldn’t recommend waiting any longer since the fruit can start to break down.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the peaches lose their texture and the dressing can separate. When I have extra chicken on hand, I prefer freezing it before assembling the salad fresh each time.

Reheating

Since this salad is best served cold or room temperature, I usually don’t reheat it. If you want to serve the chicken warm, keep the salad separate and warm the chicken before tossing everything together just before eating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something just so enjoyable about the Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe—it’s fresh, flavorful, and feels special without complicated prep. I keep returning to this one when I want a salad that’s both light and satisfying, full of summery flavors that my whole family loves. I really hope you give it a try; it’s one of those dishes that’s easy to fall in love with and even easier to share with friends over a casual meal.

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