Pesto Chicken Salad
Pesto Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic homemade pesto. The rich green sauce envelops juicy chicken and crunchy nuts, creating a delightful taste experience that is perfect for any occasion—be it a picnic, dinner party, or meal prep. This adaptable recipe not only looks stunning but also guarantees to impress your guests with its restaurant-quality flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 680g)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- ½ cup pine nuts (70g)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (100g)
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (120ml)
- 6 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula) (150g)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Allow cooling before slicing.
- In a food processor, blend basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Gradually add olive oil until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt or lemon juice if needed.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced chicken with mixed greens and drizzle with pesto sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately on plates or a large platter, garnished with additional lemon juice if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Find it online: https://www.mealura.com/pesto-chicken-salad/