Pesto Chicken Salad Pasta Salad Style with No Pasta
Enjoy a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad with this Pesto Chicken Salad Pasta Salad Style with No Pasta! Instead of traditional noodles, crisp and nutrient-packed zucchini "zoodles" take center stage, paired with tender shredded chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, vibrant bell peppers, and savory black olives. Tossed in a creamy basil pesto dressing made with Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon, this low-carb, gluten-free dish is bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a light summer dinner, this salad is easy to prepare in just 20 minutes and can be served chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh basil for an elegant finish, and enjoy a healthy, satisfying dish that skips the pasta without sacrificing flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 3 medium Zucchini (spiralized into 'zoodles')
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 medium Cucumber (diced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper (diced, any color)
- 0.25 cup Red onion (thinly sliced)
- 0.5 cup Pitted black olives (sliced)
- 0.5 cup Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.25 cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Spiralize the zucchini into 'zoodles' using a spiralizer or julienne peeler and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the bowl along with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, sliced red onion, and sliced black olives.
In a small bowl, prepare the pesto dressing by mixing the basil pesto, Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Pour the pesto dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to your liking.
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to chill before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1982 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.7 g | 133% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.8 g | 144% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 469 mg | 156% | |
| Sodium | 4125 mg | 179% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 69.1 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.3 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.9 g | ||
| Protein | 197.3 g | 395% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1285 mg | 99% | |
| Iron | 16.9 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 4287 mg | 91% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
