Low Sodium Chicken Pesto
Discover a healthier twist on a classic favorite with this Low Sodium Chicken Pesto recipe, a perfect choice for anyone seeking a flavorful yet heart-friendly dish. Juicy grilled chicken breasts are seasoned with a salt-free multi-purpose blend, then topped with a vibrant, homemade pesto made from fresh basil leaves, unsalted pine nuts, garlic, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. This quick and easy dinner idea is ready in just 40 minutes and delivers gourmet flavors without the excess sodium, making it a great option for weeknight meals or weekend entertaining. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or whole-grain pasta for a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cups unsalted pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 0.25 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt-free multi-purpose seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
Step 2
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, unsalted pine nuts, garlic cloves, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
Step 3
Pulse the mixture a few times to combine.
Step 4
While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in 0.5 cups of extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth.
Step 5
Add lemon juice and pulse the mixture a couple more times to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6
Rub the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle the salt-free multi-purpose seasoning evenly on both sides.
Step 7
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 8
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 9
Slice the chicken into strips and serve with a generous spoonful of the homemade pesto on top.
Step 10
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (652.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2327.7 |
| Total Fat 194.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 35.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 333.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1163.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 12.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.8g | |
| Protein 135.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 23.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 756.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 5.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 449.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories