Pesto Zoodle Salad with Chicken
This Pesto Zoodle Salad with Chicken provides 41g protein and 506 calories per serving—a lower-calorie lunch that supports fat loss without sacrificing protein intake. Quick stovetop prep yields 6 servings, maximizing meal-prep efficiency for the work week. Built for lifters running a deficit who need volume without excess calories.
Ingredients
- •Zucchini(1440g)
- •Basil Pesto, Prepared(240g)
- •Cheese, Mozzarella, Fresh(227g)
Part-skim mozzarella. Pre-shredded bags are convenient for meal prep.
- •Tomato, Cherry
- •Chicken Breast, Grilled(480g)
- •Pine Nuts(60g)
Instructions
- 1Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
- 2Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- 3Spiralize the zucchini into noodles or use a mandoline to create thin ribbons. If using raw zucchini noodles, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- 4In a large bowl, combine the zucchini noodles with the basil pesto, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- 5Fold the shredded chicken and halved cherry tomatoes into the zucchini mixture.
- 6Divide the pesto zoodle salad evenly into 6 airtight containers while still slightly warm. Top each container with fresh mozzarella and toasted pine nuts just before serving, or pack them separately to add at mealtime to prevent the cheese from wilting.
Nutrition — Per Serving
506
calories
41g
protein
33g
fat
- Carbohydrates
- 14g
- Saturated fat
- 9.1g
- Sodium
- 486 mg
- Dietary fiber
- 3.5g
6 servings per batch · ~408g each
Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central
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How much protein does Pesto Zoodle Salad with Chicken have per serving?
Each serving delivers 41g of protein and 506 calories, positioning this as a strong primary protein source for any macro target. The breakdown is 33g fat and 14g carbs per serving.
How long does Pesto Zoodle Salad with Chicken take to make?
This is a quick prep recipe that batches 6 servings at once, allowing you to prepare multiple ready-to-eat meals in one stovetop session.
Is Pesto Zoodle Salad with Chicken good for muscle gain?
At 41g protein per serving, this recipe directly supports muscle gain phases and daily protein accumulation targets. The lower carb content makes it ideal on rest days or when prioritizing protein over carbohydrate refueling.
