If you’re searching for a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad, this Peach Basil Chicken Salad hits all the right notes. With sweet summer peaches, tender shredded chicken, and a creamy herb dressing that brings everything together, it’s a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and fresh. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a light dish to impress at brunch, this easy salad recipe is a must-try. In this post, we’ll cover how to make the perfect peach basil chicken salad, tips on flavor pairings, expert-inspired variations, and FAQs that’ll take your salad game to the next level.
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Table of Contents
How Peach Basil Chicken Salad Became a Summer Staple in My Kitchen
Hi there, I’m Emily Frost—mom of two, weeknight dinner warrior, and your recipe-obsessed friend behind Frosty Recipes. One summer afternoon, while trying to beat the heat and use up an overflowing fruit bowl, I tossed a couple of juicy peaches into a bowl of leftover chicken and hoped for the best. I added a handful of fresh basil from our garden and whisked up a peach vinaigrette with lemon and tarragon vinegar. The result? Magic. The family loved this Peach Basil Chicken Salad right away.
There’s something about the pairing of ripe, juicy peaches with tender shredded chicken that just works. Add in the crunch of chopped celery and bell pepper, the slight bite from green onions, and that creamy, slightly sweet dressing—it’s the kind of salad that makes people pause mid-bite and go, “Wait… what’s IN this?!”
This dish has earned a permanent spot on our summer table. It’s light but filling, fruity but savory, and packs in a satisfying mix of textures. If you love the classic flavors of something like this apple cranberry chicken salad, or want something a little brighter than your go-to air fryer chicken salad, this one’s for you.
And the best part? It only gets better after sitting overnight in the fridge, which makes it perfect for meal prep, picnics, or an easy lunch on-the-go. Stick with me through this post, and I’ll show you how to build it from scratch, step by simple step.
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Peach Basil Chicken Salad Recipe – Sweet, Fresh & Creamy
A refreshing, creamy Peach Basil Chicken Salad with fresh peaches, herbs, and tender shredded chicken – perfect for summer meals.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 ripe peach, peeled and quartered
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
2 1/2 Tablespoons tarragon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
2 teaspoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 ripe peaches, peeled and cubed
2 cups shredded chicken
3 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
Instructions
1. Shred chicken and combine with cubed peaches, celery, onion, and bell pepper.
2. In a blender, combine all dressing ingredients and blend until smooth.
3. Pour dressing over chicken mixture and stir until fully coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
5. Serve on lettuce or in a sandwich roll.
Notes
This salad tastes better after chilling for at least 4 hours.
For added crunch, top with slivered almonds or chopped pecans.
Try substituting Greek yogurt for mayo for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
How to Make Peach Basil Chicken Salad
Building the Flavorful Base
To make the best Peach Basil Chicken Salad, it starts with the ingredients. First, pick ripe but firm peaches—too soft, and they’ll fall apart in the mix. I like to peel and cube them right before tossing to keep their texture bright and juicy. Next is the chicken: for this salad, I recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts. You’ll want about two cups of shredded chicken—just enough to balance the peaches without overpowering them.
Crisp celery adds a nice crunch, while chopped green onion and sweet red bell pepper bring in a mild bite and color. These ingredients create a vibrant base that’s both refreshing and satisfying. To ensure that each forkful contains a little bit of everything, it is important to maintain all the pieces bite-sized.
If you love creative chicken salad ideas, this one fits right alongside our buffalo ranch chicken salad or even the zesty twist in this bbq chicken macaroni salad. This version leans sweet and herby but still brings a little tang from the dressing.
Creamy Peach Basil Dressing Secrets
Now let’s talk about the star of this Peach Basil Chicken Salad: the dressing. Start by blending a ripe peach with lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, chopped basil, salt, celery seed, sugar, pepper, and mayo. The result is creamy, slightly tart, and beautifully aromatic.
You can use tarragon vinegar as called for, or swap in apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tone. Want to lighten it up? Try using half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt.
The dressing should be thick but pourable—coating the ingredients without drowning them. Once it’s ready, pour it over the chicken and fruit mixture, stir, and cover. Let it chill overnight to let those flavors marry into something truly delicious.
Serving and Storage Tips for Peach Basil Chicken Salad
Creative Ways to Serve This Salad
Once your Peach Basil Chicken Salad has chilled and the flavors have mingled, it’s time to serve. The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is. For a light lunch, serve it over a crisp bed of romaine or mixed greens. Want something a bit heartier? Pile it onto a buttery croissant or soft sandwich roll. The creamy dressing makes it perfect for wraps, too—especially in lettuce cups if you’re going low-carb.
This salad also makes an elegant side for a summer brunch. Try plating it next to a chilled soup or a fruit platter. If you’re prepping for a potluck, it holds up beautifully in a chilled serving bowl. For presentation, add some peach slices or basil leaves as a garnish.
If you’re a fan of minimal prep, this salad fits right into your routine. It’s just as easy to pull together as our 5-ingredient chicken salad, yet feels a little more elevated for special occasions.
And if you’re serving this alongside other cold favorites, pair it with something tangy like this dijon potato salad to balance the sweetness of the peaches.
Make-Ahead and Storage Advice
In fact, a little rest in the refrigerator makes the Peach Basil Chicken Salad even better.Stir the dressing into the chicken mixture, then place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill overnight. This gives the basil and peach flavors time to blend beautifully.
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to three days. Before serving, simply give it a quick stir if there is any extra liquid. Avoid freezing, as the peaches and dressing won’t retain their texture after thawing.
Prepping ahead makes this salad ideal for meal planning, summer gatherings, or just making weekday lunches a lot more exciting.
Variations and Expert Twists on Peach Basil Chicken Salad
Inspired by Gordon Ramsay & Rachael Ray
Celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Rachael Ray know how to elevate a basic chicken salad, and you can borrow their techniques to enhance your Peach Basil Chicken Salad at home. Ramsay often emphasizes balance and texture. To bring his flair into this dish, use grilled chicken for a smoky edge and toast your celery seeds before blending them into the dressing for deeper flavor.
Rachael Ray’s signature? Big flavor in less time. Channel her by swapping in store-bought rotisserie chicken, adding a dash of Dijon mustard to the dressing, or tossing in a few toasted pecans for crunch. You could also fold in a small scoop of goat cheese if you’re after that creamy-savory contrast she often leans into.
These expert-inspired tweaks will keep the core flavor of your Peach Basil Chicken Salad intact while giving you room to personalize it with bold new touches.
Seasonal & Dietary Variations
This salad is naturally gluten-free when served on lettuce or in a bowl, and it’s easy to adjust for dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, simply use a vegan mayonnaise or plain mashed avocado in the dressing. Need more protein? Add quinoa or chopped hard-boiled eggs.
You can also play with seasonal swaps. In place of peaches, try nectarines or mangoes—especially if peaches aren’t in season. For a fall variation, add diced apple and swap basil for fresh thyme.
Looking for fruit-forward sides that pair well? Try this classic ambrosia fruit salad for a nostalgic finish or lighten things up with a tangy dill pickle potato salad.
Whether you keep it simple or get creative with additions, Peach Basil Chicken Salad is one of those recipes that welcomes variation without ever losing its original charm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Basil Chicken Salad
What is the best dressing for a peach salad?
The best dressing for a peach salad balances sweetness and acidity. A vinaigrette made with peach purée, lemon juice, tarragon or apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey or sugar works beautifully. For a creamier version, like in Peach Basil Chicken Salad, adding mayonnaise creates a smooth, rich texture that clings to every bite.
Can you put basil in chicken salad?
Absolutely. Basil brings a fresh, aromatic quality to chicken salad that complements both creamy and citrus-based dressings. In Peach Basil Chicken Salad, fresh chopped basil highlights the sweetness of the peaches and brightens the entire dish.
How does Gordon Ramsay make chicken salad?
Gordon Ramsay often focuses on clean ingredients and bold flavors. His approach typically includes well-seasoned, grilled or roasted chicken, crisp vegetables for texture, and a punchy dressing with fresh herbs. Incorporating toasted spices or a smoky element—like grilled chicken—can bring a Ramsay-style twist to this salad.
How does Rachael Ray make chicken salad?
Rachael Ray keeps things fast, fresh, and flavorful. Her chicken salads often feature pantry-friendly ingredients like canned chicken, tangy dressings, and bold mix-ins such as fruit, nuts, or herbs. For a Rachael-style version of Peach Basil Chicken Salad, try tossing in some Dijon mustard or replacing peaches with mango for a tropical punch.
Conclusion
Peach Basil Chicken Salad is everything you want in a summer dish—fresh, light, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The sweet peaches, herbaceous basil, and creamy dressing come together to create a salad that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re planning a picnic, prepping lunch for the week, or just craving something different, this recipe delivers. Give it a try, and don’t forget to explore other bright, seasonal salads right here at Frosty Recipes.
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