Pesto Zoodle Salad with Chicken Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Pesto Zoodle Salad with Chicken that combines spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in flavorful basil pesto, complemented by fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, shredded chicken, and optional toasted pine nuts for added crunch. This light and healthy salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and ready in just 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 6 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles, about 6 cups
Dressing
- 1 cup basil pesto, homemade or store bought
Toppings
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (like Ciliegine), halved
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini noodles: Spiralize the zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer to create approximately 6 cups of zoodles. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Toss with pesto: Add 1 cup of basil pesto to the zucchini noodles and gently toss until the noodles are evenly coated with the pesto sauce.
- Add toppings: Arrange halved fresh mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded chicken, and optional toasted pine nuts on top of the dressed zoodles.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss or serve as is, ensuring all ingredients are displayed beautifully. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shredded chicken and increase the amount of mozzarella or add chickpeas for protein.
- To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but note the zucchini noodles may release water over time.
- Use fresh homemade pesto if possible for maximum flavor, or a high-quality store-bought pesto.
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/pesto-zoodle-salad-with-chicken-recipe/
