Asian Pesto Chicken Salad Recipe
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Category: Chicken Breast
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Summer Salad
Servings: 4
This vibrant, refreshing Asian Pesto Chicken Salad is the perfect dish to enjoy during the summer months, offering a delightful blend of fresh herbs, tender grilled chicken, and the zing of Asian pesto. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner, preparing a light lunch, or craving a flavorful meal, this dish will easily become a favorite in your recipe collection. Using rotisserie chicken (like from Costco) will save you time, but if you prefer, you can grill your own for added flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canola oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Orzo pasta | 1 ยฝ cups |
| Boneless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Cherry tomatoes | 2 cups, halved |
| Jalapeno chiles | 2, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tablespoon, grated |
| Lemons, zest of | 2 teaspoons |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 8 tablespoons |
| Fresh basil leaf | 1 cup, packed |
| Fresh mint leaves | 1 cup, packed |
| Fresh cilantro leaves | 1 cup, packed |
| Kosher salt (for pesto) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh ground black pepper (for pesto) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1804.2 kcal |
| Fat | 155.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 92.8 mg |
| Sodium | 238.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 65.7 g |
| Fiber | 8.3 g |
| Sugar | 8.8 g |
| Protein | 44.5 g |
Instructions
For the Chicken and Salad:
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Prepare the Grill or Grill Pan: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat, or alternatively, heat a grill pan or a heavy sautรฉ pan over high heat. Swirl 2 tablespoons of canola oil in the pan to coat the bottom.
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Boil Orzo: While the grill heats up, bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
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Season Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated grill (or grill pan). Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into ยผ-inch wide strips.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken, cooked orzo, and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle 1 cup of the prepared Asian pesto sauce over the mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
-
Prepare the Spinach: In a separate medium bowl, combine ยผ cup of the pesto with the juice of 1 lemon. Add fresh spinach leaves and toss to coat. Taste the spinach and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
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Serve the Salad: Divide the spinach mixture evenly onto 4 plates. Mound the pesto-coated chicken and orzo mixture on top of the spinach, drizzle with additional pesto, and serve immediately. Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing Asian Pesto Chicken Salad!
For the Asian Pesto:
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Blend the Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine the jalapeno chiles, garlic, sugar, fresh ginger, nuts, lemon zest, and 1 cup of olive oil. Blend until smooth.
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Add Fresh Herbs: Add the fresh basil, mint, and cilantro to the mixture. Continue blending while slowly adding the remaining 7 tablespoons of olive oil until a thick, vibrant green puree forms.
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Season the Pesto: Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Store and Use: Transfer the pesto to a tightly covered jar and refrigerate. The pesto will keep for up to 2 weeks, but be sure to stir it well before using.
Note: You will need 1 ยผ cups of this Asian pesto for the chicken salad, with extra pesto for drizzling on top before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a rush, using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Shred the chicken and incorporate it into the salad.
- Herb Substitutes: If you can’t find fresh mint or cilantro, feel free to adjust with other herbs like parsley or Thai basil.
- Pesto Variations: This Asian pesto is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapenos depending on your heat preference.
- Pasta Alternatives: If you don’t have orzo, any small pasta like farfalle, fusilli, or penne can work well in this recipe.
This Asian Pesto Chicken Salad brings together the best of fresh, bold flavors with minimal effort. Whether youโre looking for a quick and satisfying meal or something to impress your guests, this salad checks all the boxes. Enjoy!
