How To Make Healthy Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe?

Looking for a fresh and tasty salad that is healthy and easy to prepare? Just check out this healthy pesto chicken salad! This easy recipe is one of the easiest chicken salad recipes you can make! High-protein, simple ingredients, and full of fresh pesto flavor. Make it in under 10 minutes for an easy and healthy meal prep lunch.

What Ingredient You Need For Pesto Chicken Salad?

For The Pesto	Quantity
Fresh Basil Leaves	2 Cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese	1/2 Cup
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil	1/2 Cup
Pine Nuts	1/3 Cup
Garlic Cloves	2
Salt And Pepper	To Taste
Lemon Juice	Juice Of Half A Lemon

For The Salad	Quantity
Cooked Chicken Breasts	2 (Shredded Or Cubed)
Mixed Greens (Spinach, Arugula)	2 Cups
Cherry Tomatoes	1 Cup (Halved)
Cucumber	1/2 (Sliced)
Red Onion	1/4 Cup (Thinly Sliced)
Avocado	1 (Diced)

Step By Step Method Of Pesto Chicken Salad:

Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious and healthy Pesto Chicken Salad:

• In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.

• While the processor is running, slowly add the olive oil until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

• If your chicken isn’t already cooked, season it with salt and pepper, and bake or grill until fully cooked. Let it cool before shredding or cubing.

• Then, In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
• Add the pesto to the salad and toss until everything is well coated. You can add more or less pesto depending on your taste preference.

• Divide the salad into bowls or plates. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Enjoy your healthy and flavorful Pesto Chicken Salad!

Cooking Tips:

• Also, you can prepare the pesto and cook the chicken in advance. Store them in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving.
• Feel free to add other veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even some quinoa for extra protein.
• Experiment with different types of pesto, such as spinach or arugula pesto, for a unique twist.

Nutritional Value Pesto Pesto Chicken Salad

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown of the healthy pesto chicken salad per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount Per 100g
Calories	180 kcal
Protein	14 g
Total Fat	12 g
Carbohydrates	5 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugars	2 g
Sodium	200 mg
Vitamin A	15% DV
Vitamin C	10% DV
Calcium	10% DV
Iron	6% DV

Note: These values are approximate and can change depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. For precise nutritional information, it’s best to use a detailed nutritional calculator with specific ingredient measurements.

Health Benefits Of This Pesto Chicken Salad

This pesto chicken salad offers a range of health benefits, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. Here are some key benefits:

1. High In Protein

Chicken:

• Lean Protein Source: Chicken breasts are lean cuts of meat that provide high-quality protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall cellular function.
• Satiety: Protein helps you feel full and satisfied after a meal, which can aid in managing appetite and reducing overall calorie intake.

2. Rich In Healthy Fats

Avocado And Olive Oil:

• Monounsaturated Fats: Avocado and extra-virgin olive oil used in the pesto dressing are rich in monounsaturated fats.
• Heart Health: Monounsaturated fats are known to improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol levels (HDL).
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: These fats have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

3. Packed With Vitamins And Minerals

Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Basil:

• Vitamin C: Found in tomatoes and basil, vitamin C supports immune function, and collagen synthesis, and helps with iron absorption.
• Vitamin K: Abundant in basil and mixed greens, vitamin K is crucial for bone health and blood clotting.
• Folate (Vitamin B9): Found in greens and tomatoes, folate is important for cell division and helps prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy.
• Potassium And Magnesium: These minerals, found in abundance in vegetables such as cucumber and mixed greens, support muscle function, electrolyte balance, and nerve function.

4. Antioxidant Properties

Basil And Garlic:

• Antioxidants: Basil and garlic contain various antioxidants, including flavonoids and sulfur compounds, which help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
• Anti-inflammatory: These antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

5. Low In Carbohydrates

• Low Carb Option: This salad is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for individuals following low-carb or ketogenic diets. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and also may aid in weight management.

6. Promotes Weight Management

• Satiety: The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber from vegetables helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, potentially reducing overall calorie intake and supporting weight management goals.

7. Digestive Health

• Fiber Content: Vegetables such as cucumber and mixed greens are rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and maintaining gut health.

8. Versatile And Customizable

• Customization: You can easily customize this salad by adding additional vegetables (like bell peppers or carrots), nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), or seeds (like sunflower seeds) to enhance flavor, texture, and nutritional value according to your preferences and dietary needs.

By incorporating this basil pesto chicken pasta salad into your diet regularly, you not only enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal but also benefit from its nutrient-dense ingredients that support overall health, immunity, and well-being.

Fitness Motivation For Your Inspiration

What will be your reaction If I say Gazal, a businesswoman from Patiala lost 16 kgs in just 4 months? Yes! With customized diet plans and guidance from our experts, she was able to achieve this transformation even after pregnancy. Most importantly, check here story below to get real inspiration.

Gazal’s Transformation With Fitelo’s Weight Loss Diet Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pesto Chicken Salad healthy?

Yes, it’s healthy! It’s rich in lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and packed with vitamins and minerals from vegetables.

How Do You Make Pesto Chicken Salad Dressing?

Blend fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth.

What Can I Add To Pesto Chicken Salad?

You can customize it with additional veggies such as bell peppers or spinach, nuts like almonds, or grains like quinoa for added texture and nutrition.

Is Pesto Chicken Salad Low Carb?

Yes, it is! It’s naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets while providing essential nutrients.

Contact Us Today

Your search to find the right guidance to be a part of all those fat-to-fit stories ends here. So, contact us today if you are looking for a diet plan with cheat meals. Also, we will discuss how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The most important thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian before starting, if you have any concerns.

Eat healthy and live healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.