Step into a world of fresh and vibrant flavors with our Keto Chicken Pesto Zoodle Salad! This delightful dish combines tender pieces of grilled chicken, zesty zucchini noodles, and a luscious homemade pesto sauce to create a satisfying and nutritious salad that’s perfect for your low-carb or keto lifestyle. Embrace the goodness of green, as this salad brings together a medley of wholesome ingredients, bursting with essential nutrients and taste. With a refreshing and easy-to-make pesto sauce, this salad is a delightful addition to your lunch or dinner table. Join us on a culinary journey that embraces health and taste, as we present this green delight, the Keto Chicken Pesto Zoodle Salad.
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Course: Main Course/Salad
Cuisine: Italian
kcal: Approximately 350 calories per serving
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Ingredients:
For the Keto Chicken Pesto Zoodle Salad:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large zucchinis
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
For the Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Grilling the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 2: Preparing the Zoodles
- Using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler, turn the zucchinis into zoodles (zucchini noodles). If using a vegetable peeler, create long, thin strips.
- Place the zoodles in a colander, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, and let them sit for a few minutes to release excess water. Rinse and drain the zoodles thoroughly.
Step 3: Making the Pesto Sauce
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Process the ingredients until the pesto sauce reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 4: Assembling the Keto Chicken Pesto Zoodle Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the zoodles, sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives.
- Drizzle the prepared pesto sauce over the salad, tossing everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well coated.
Step 5: Nutrition Facts
(Note: The following nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.)
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 25g
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
- Divide the Keto Chicken Pesto Zoodle Salad among individual plates or bowls.
- Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of green and flavor.
- Serve the delightful salad immediately, and savor the harmonious blend of grilled chicken, zesty zoodles, and the luscious pesto sauce.
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Note: This Keto Chicken Pesto Zoodle Salad is a delicious celebration of health and taste. Packed with wholesome ingredients and the zesty goodness of homemade pesto, this salad is a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious meal while staying true to your low-carb or keto goals. The combination of fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, and aromatic basil pesto creates a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a green feast, this Keto Chicken Pesto Zoodle Salad is sure to please your taste buds and elevate your culinary experience. Embrace the green delight, and enjoy a wholesome and nourishing salad that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. ๐ฅ๐
