This Keto Pesto Chicken Salad is refreshing and flavorful. We toss the chicken pieces in herb-containing pesto sauce and mix with onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella, herbs, and seasoning. It is very easy to obtain these simple ingredients from the grocery stores, or they might even be in the pantry. This salad prepares quickly in only twenty-five minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Serve this Keto Pesto Chicken Salad with an avocado slice or make the wrap with a keto tortilla or lettuce. This salad contains mozzarella and pesto sauce, so it is not good for those with dairy allergies.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Course: Salad
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Diet: Keto
- Time for prep: Ten minutes
- Duration for cooking: Fifteen minutes
- Overall duration: Twenty-five minutes
- Serving size: 1 bowl
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
EQUIPMENT:
- Knife
- Spoon
- Chopping board
- Skillet
- Mixing dish
INGREDIENTS:
- Cooked chicken: 300 g
- Cherry tomatoes: ½ cup
- Cucumber: ½ cup
- Red onion: 2 tbsp.
- Mozzarella balls: ¼ cup
- Black olives: 3 tbsp.
- Pesto: 2 tbsp.
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp.
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves
INGREDIENT NOTES:
CHICKEN BREAST:
- Use the chicken breast to add to the salad. We have to shred them so they distribute evenly in the salad. Use the Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken to save time. It also adds the protein content to the dish.
CUCUMBERS:
- Cucumber is added to provide refreshment in the salad. It also adds the crunchiness and balances the refreshness in it. Choose the English cucumbers for fewer seeds and water content.
RED ONIONS:
- Red onions add sharpness in flavor. Make the thin slices so that they don’t intensify the taste in every bite. Soak the onions in cold water before mixing them into the salad.
MOZZARELLA CHEESE:
- Mozzarella cheese provides the creamy texture in salad. Use the full-fat cheese as it is good for this diet. We can also use Parmesan or cheddar cheese instead.
BLACK OLIVES:
- We add black olives to the salad. It includes good fats and also boosts the taste of the salad.
PESTO:
- Add the pesto to the salad to make it creamier. Buy the keto pesto, which doesn’t contain any sugar or additional carb content.
OLIVE OIL:
- It is utilized to make the dressing. It adds the healthy fat content and also maintains the consistency of this salad.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cook the chicken in olive oil on moderate heat till brown if required.
- Sprinkle some black pepper & salt and cool it slightly.
- Take a mixing dish and mix the chicken, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella cheese in it.
- Then we include the olive oil and pesto in the dish.
- Include pepper & salt, and stir all the components till properly combined.
- Garnish the salad with basil leaves, cool it for thirty minutes & serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
LIGHT:
- Lettuce Cups
- Stuffed Avocado
- Cucumber Boats
- Tomato Cups
WRAPS:
- Keto Tortilla Wrap
- Collard Green Wrap
- Nori Roll
- Cheese Wrap
SALAD:
- Arugula Bowl
- Spinach Plate
- Mixed Greens
- Caesar Base
APPETIZERS:
- Endive Boats
- Mini Bell Peppers
- Zucchini Rounds
- Parmesan Crisps
MAIN MEAL:
- Cauliflower Rice
- Zucchini Noodles
- Roasted Eggplant
- Grilled Portobello
BREAKFAST:
- Omelet Filling
- Chaffle Topper
- Egg Muffin Filling
- Keto Breakfast Bowl
TIPS:
- Add 10g roasted pine nuts to make it crunchier.
- Store the leftover salad to prepare them in advance.
- Cool the chicken before mixing, or else the vegetables don’t remain crunchy.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Add the salad to the covered box and store it for three days.
FREEZER:
- We don’t have to freeze this salad because the texture of the mozzarella and pesto will be ruined.
FAQs:
Can I utilize the rotisserie chicken?
- Yes, we can easily use the rotisserie chicken to prepare this salad, as it saves time and is more convenient.
Will I use the feta cheese?
- Yes, use the feta instead of the mozzarella, and it adds a strong taste.
Is this chicken salad good for this diet?
- Yes, this salad is good for this diet, as it contains low-carb content, which is mostly from the vegetables.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Total carbs: 7 g
Net carbs: 5 g
Fiber: 2 g
Fat: 25 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Calcium: 180 mg
Iron: 1.2 mg
Vitamin A: 700 IU
Potassium: 650 mg
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