Stovetop~45 minComplexity
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.
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Ingredients
6 servings
- •6 Zucchini(1176g)
- •1 cup Basil Pesto, Prepared
- •8 oz Cheese, Mozzarella, Fresh
Part-skim mozzarella. Pre-shredded bags are convenient for meal prep.
- •1 Tomato, Cherry(17g)
- •2 cup Chicken Breast, Grilled
- •0.3 cup Pine Nuts
Instructions
- 1Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and 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, 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 completely.
- 3Spiralize the zucchini into noodles or use a mandoline to create thin ribbons. Pat the zucchini noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- 4In a large bowl, combine the zucchini noodles with the basil pesto, tossing gently until evenly coated.
- 5Fold the shredded chicken and halved cherry tomatoes into the zucchini mixture, stirring to combine.
- 6Divide the pesto zoodle salad evenly into 6 airtight containers while still slightly warm.
- 7Pack the fresh mozzarella and toasted pine nuts in separate small containers or add them to each salad container just before serving to prevent the cheese from wilting.
Nutrition — Per Serving
429
calories
30g
protein
30g
fat
- Carbohydrates
- 12g
- Saturated fat
- 8.8g
- Sodium
- 477 mg
- Dietary fiber
- 3.0g
6 servings per batch · ~331g 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.
