As summer winds down, I thought it only fitting to share one last salad before we turn the page to fall. This chicken pesto salad is fresh, colorful, and full of bold Mediterranean flavors that make it feel like sunshine in a bowl.
Shredded rotisserie chicken gets tossed with vibrant basil pesto, homemade if you like, though a good-quality jar works just as well, and just a drizzle of extra olive oil for richness.
The real magic is how this savory chicken salad rests on a bed of crisp greens layered with juicy tomatoes, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and your choice of cheese. I like mozzarella pearls, but creamy feta is good too. The result is irresistible: hearty yet light, bright yet comforting. It’s the perfect dish to savor these late warm days, a delicious way to say goodbye to summer while welcoming the golden stretch of sunshine that lingers into early fall.
Chicken Pesto Green Salad
2 cups shredded rotisserie or baked chicken
½ cup prepared pesto
1/4 cup or more of olive oil
6 cups baby greens
½ cup kalamata olives
½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
½ cup sundried tomatoes
1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
1 lemon cut into wedges
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
More olive oil to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix the pesto with shredded chicken in a medium bowl, add salt and pepper to taste, and olive oil to the desired consistency. Chill until ready to serve. Prepare the salad by placing the greens at the bottom of a serving bowl, and make 4 mounds of chicken on top. Next, arrange the remaining ingredients on top of the greens. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Basil Pesto
1½ cups fresh basil compacted
2 garlic cloves
½ cup walnuts
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
Place basil, garlic, walnuts, and salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add parmesan, olive oil, and process until mixed well. Use immediately or cover the surface with plastic wrap to avoid oxidation.
If you’re not already following me on Instagram and Facebook, now’s the time! You’ll be able to follow along with us through sunny Provence—markets overflowing with lavender and produce, seaside cafés, and, of course, plenty of wine glasses raised in good cheer. If you’re not already on the waitlist for next year’s A Taste of Paris trips, you can hop on—because trust me, they fill faster than a French bakery sells croissants on a Sunday morning.
A few seats remain for the magnificent Loire Valley adventure this spring. Imagine strolling through fairytale châteaux, sipping wine from storied vineyards, and soaking in the gentle beauty of the French countryside—it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
And let’s not forget the season right in front of us. This fall’s cooking classes promise not only delicious fare, but dishes so beautiful you’ll want to show them off before you even take a bite. Take a peek below and find the perfect class to join—I’d love to cook with you!
Thursday, November 13th, 6:30-8:30 Artful, Elegant Appetizers Made Simple Looking for a night out that’s equal parts fun, creative, and delicious? Join me for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to craft appetizers that look as incredible as they taste. Colorful dishes that are the ideal balance between beauty and flavor. Perfect for a friend’s night out or a unique date, this evening will inspire your inner artist while giving you entertaining skills you’ll use again and again. To sip, we will enjoy Mistletoe Martinis. On the menu: Elegant Personal Cheese Boards, an idea you’ll keep on repeat, a breathtaking Vegetable Centerpiece made in minutes, luscious and artfully swirled Holiday Hummus with piles of toppings, Pretty Sweet Potato Canapés with beets and goat cheese, stunning Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Creamy Burrata will make your taste buds sing, delicate READ MORE
Friday, December 5th, 12:00-2:00 Holiday Tea . Whether you’re looking for a festive event out or planning to host your own holiday tea, celebrate the season with an enchanting afternoon of tea-time delights! This festive cooking class is the perfect outing with a friend—and it’s brimming with inspiration for hosting your very own holiday tea at home. On the savory side: we’ll prepare delicate Herbed Cucumber Sandwiches, a staple for any wonderful tea time, incredible Apple Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches, homemade savory Scones Stuffed with Smoked Salmon Pâté, READ MORE
See you soon!
Lorie
