Lemon Parsley Pesto Chicken Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of summer with this savory Lemon Parsley Pesto Chicken Salad. The vibrant and aromatic parsley pesto, made with fresh garlic and rich olive oil, serves as the perfect dressing for tender shredded chicken. Tossed with juicy tomatoes and topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts, this salad delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Ideal for picnics and light lunches, it’s a quick and nourishing meal you can whip up in no time, especially when you have pre-cooked chicken on hand!
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh parsley
1 cup (packed)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
Olive oil
1/2 cup
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Cooked chicken
1 whole (shredded or chopped)
Pine nuts
1 cup (toasted)
Tomatoes
2 (seeded and diced)
Lemon
1 (juice of)
Fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped, for garnish)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by separating the cooked chicken from the bones and shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
2
In a food processor or blender, combine the packed cup of fresh parsley and garlic cloves. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until you achieve a smooth and velvety pesto consistency. Adjust the thickness if necessary with a touch of water for better coating. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and lemon juice until evenly mixed.
4
Drizzle the parsley pesto over the chicken and tomato mixture, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
5
To serve, spoon the salad onto plates or into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, extra grated Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy immediately for the best texture, as the pine nuts can become soggy if they sit too long.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
4.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lemon Parsley Pesto Chicken Salad?
It is a refreshing savory salad featuring shredded chicken, a vibrant parsley-garlic pesto, juicy tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts.
How do you prepare the parsley pesto dressing?
In a food processor, blend fresh parsley and garlic while drizzling in olive oil, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken makes this a quick and nourishing meal that you can whip up in no time.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
This recipe contains 375 calories per serving.
Is the Lemon Parsley Pesto Chicken Salad low-carb?
Yes, it is very low in carbohydrates, containing only 4.5g per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This recipe provides 22.5g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 12 ingredients, including the garnishes.
What is the best way to prevent pine nuts from getting soggy?
Serve the salad immediately after adding the pine nuts, as they can lose their crunch if they sit in the dressing too long.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be seeded and diced before being tossed with the chicken and lemon juice.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the pesto and chicken mixture ahead of time, but wait until serving to add the toasted pine nuts.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an ideal meal for picnics and light lunches.
What can I substitute for pine nuts?
If pine nuts are unavailable, you can substitute them with toasted walnuts, slivered almonds, or sunflower seeds.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredient list of chicken, vegetables, nuts, cheese, and oil, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How do I adjust the thickness of the pesto?
If the pesto is too thick, you can add a touch of water or extra olive oil to achieve a smoother coating consistency.
What type of cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses grated Parmesan cheese both in the pesto dressing and as a garnish.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a blender can be used to combine the parsley, garlic, and olive oil into a smooth consistency.
How much fat is in this chicken salad?
This recipe contains 27.5g of fat per serving.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While lemon provides a specific bright flavor, lime can be used as a citrus substitute, though it will slightly alter the taste profile.
How do I toast the pine nuts?
You can toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden and fragrant.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or red onions would complement the parsley pesto well.
How should I season the shredded chicken?
The chicken should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
To make it dairy-free, you can omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.
How many garlic cloves are in the pesto?
The recipe calls for 2 peeled garlic cloves.
What kind of chicken should I use?
You can use one whole cooked chicken that has been shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How much parsley is required for the pesto?
The pesto requires 1 packed cup of fresh parsley.
What makes the pesto 'velvety'?
Slowly drizzling the olive oil into the food processor while it is running creates a smooth and velvety emulsion.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient choice for the shredded chicken component.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutritious, and light meal.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is characterized by aromatic parsley, pungent garlic, bright lemon, and nutty toasted pine nuts.