The arugula white bean salad with pesto chicken recipe is a melody of vibrant flavors and textures, playing the tunes of a wholesome and savory symphony.
There are moments when the desire for a refreshing, hearty, and flavorful dish conquers our culinary hearts and this dish does it all.
Arugula White Bean Salad with Pesto Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of homemade or store-bought pesto
- 4 cups of fresh arugula
- 1 cup of canned white beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup of shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken breasts in pesto for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Grill the chicken until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- In a large bowl, mix arugula, white beans, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Slice the grilled chicken and place it atop the salad.
- Garnish with shaved Parmesan and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
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Marination Time:
- Marinating the chicken in pesto for at least 30 minutes will enhance the flavor. However, if you are pressed for time, even a quick marination can make a difference.
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Pesto Sauce:
- While homemade pesto is a delicious option, feel free to use high-quality, store-bought pesto to save time. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preference.
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Arugula:
- Arugula adds a peppery flavor to the salad. If you prefer a milder taste, you can replace it with baby spinach or mixed salad greens.
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White Beans:
- Canned white beans are a convenient choice, but ensure to rinse them well to remove excess salt. If you prefer, you can cook dried beans beforehand.
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Cheese:
- Shaved Parmesan adds a lovely salty touch, but feel free to use grated Parmesan or even crumbled feta if you prefer.
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Veggies:
- Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onions to suit your preference.
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Grill Pan:
- If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan or even a regular skillet will work just fine to cook the chicken.
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Vegetarian Option:
- Omit the chicken for a vegetarian version. You might want to add extra beans or perhaps some grilled tofu or tempeh for protein.
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Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a main dish or a hearty side. It pairs well with a crisp, white wine or a refreshing, chilled beverage.
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Leftovers:
- If you anticipate leftovers, consider dressing the portion you’ll eat immediately to avoid the arugula becoming soggy. Store the remaining salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator.
Why Make Arugula White Bean Salad with Pesto Chicken Recipe?
Creating this recipe brings a confluence of nutritious ingredients to your table. It’s a celebration of freshness, a dance of textures, and a communion of hearty flavors, promising a balanced and revitalizing experience.
How Difficult Is It To Make Arugula White Bean Salad with Pesto Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is like a walk in the park! It’s straightforward and requires minimal culinary skills, making it a quick and easy choice for anyone wanting to whip up a flavorful meal.
How Does Arugula White Bean Salad with Pesto Chicken Recipe Taste?
It’s a melody of flavors! The peppery arugula, creamy beans, and aromatic pesto chicken create a harmonious blend, while the zest from the lemon and the saltiness from the Parmesan add the finishing touches to this culinary symphony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely, feel free to use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Certainly! Just omit the chicken and add more beans or your preferred protein source.
Can I substitute arugula with another leafy green?
Of course! Spinach or mixed salad greens can be a great substitute.
Is it spicy?
The arugula has a peppery taste, but overall, the salad is not spicy.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely, feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables.
Enjoy Our Arugula White Bean Salad with Pesto Chicken Recipe
This arugula white bean salad with pesto chicken recipe is a culinary composition of delightful flavors and nourishing goodness. It’s the culinary concert that plays the tunes of freshness, the symphony of savor, and the rhythm of healthiness in every bite. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience—a wholesome, flavorful journey that promises satisfaction and pleasure to your taste buds.
