Vegetarian Pesto Chicken Melt

Savor the irresistible flavors of a Vegetarian Pesto Chicken Melt, a plant-based twist on a timeless classic that’s perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners. This recipe layers golden-browned plant-based chicken fillets with creamy homemade basil pesto, juicy tomato slices, and melty mozzarella cheese, all tucked between slices of hearty whole grain bread. The vibrant pesto, made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and vegetarian Parmesan, adds a burst of herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory, cheesy goodness inside. Ready in just 35 minutes, this mouthwatering melt strikes the perfect balance between nutritious and indulgent, making it an ideal option for vegetarians craving comfort food. Pair it with a crisp side salad or a warm bowl of soup for a complete, satisfying meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Plant-based chicken fillets
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Basil leaves
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (vegetarian)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 large Tomatoes
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
• 4 pieces Whole grain bread slices

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the plant-based chicken fillets with salt and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3

To make the pesto, combine basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, vegetarian Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add salt to taste.

Step 4

Slice the tomato into thin rounds.

Step 5

Spread a generous amount of pesto on one side of each bread slice.

Step 6

Place the cooked plant-based chicken fillets on two of the bread slices, pesto side up. Top each with sliced tomatoes and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 7

Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down.

Step 8

Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and grill in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately with a side of salad or your favorite soup.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(797.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1969.8

Total Fat 122.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.1g
Cholesterol 158.9mg	0%
Sodium 5065.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 89.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.1g	0%
Total Sugars 15.6g
Protein 126.5g	0%

Vitamin D 43.7IU	0%
Calcium 2473.0mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 1569.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.1%

Protein: 25.7%

Carbs: 18.2%