Are you craving a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests? Look no further! This Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Salad is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and a vibrant pesto sauce that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece in just 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves amazing flavors, this recipe is your ticket to an instant meal that's both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket or microwave until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and drain well.
- If using uncooked chicken, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 15-20 minutes). Let cool and shred using two forks.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and cooled broccoli florets.
- Add the pesto sauce to the chicken and broccoli, stirring gently to ensure even coating. Make sure all ingredients are well distributed.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and toss lightly.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing salad or light meal. Optional: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves.
Tips
- Maximize Flavor: Use freshly cooked or high-quality rotisserie chicken for the best taste and texture.
- Broccoli Perfection: Don't overcook the broccoli! Aim for tender-crisp by steaming for just 3-4 minutes to retain nutrients and crunch.
- Pesto Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, use homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought version with fresh basil and good olive oil.
- Chill Factor: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add extra ingredients like toasted pine nuts, cherry tomatoes, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added complexity.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad can be prepared in advance and keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of mixed greens, as a sandwich filling, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
