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Cottage Cheese Pesto Chicken Salad

30-Minute Cottage Cheese Pesto Chicken Salad You’ll Crave

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A flavorful and protein-packed chicken salad featuring grilled or baked chicken breasts coated in pesto, served with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups chopped chicken (grilled, rotisserie, etc.)
  • 4 medium boneless-skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 5 tablespoons Basil Pesto (divided, plus additional for serving)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
  • Grated Parmesan (optional for serving)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Lightly pound the chicken into an even thickness (about ½-inch thick). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Dollop a tablespoon of pesto on each chicken breast, then spread to coat both sides.
  3. Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon pesto. Add olive oil if needed.
  4. To Grill: Preheat grill to high heat (~465°F). Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 155-160°F. Grill tomatoes alongside.
  5. To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake chicken and tomatoes for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 155-160°F.
  6. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with tomatoes, extra pesto, basil, and Parmesan.

Notes

  • Use store-bought or homemade pesto.
  • Chicken can be grilled or baked based on preference.
  • Serve warm or chilled.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling/Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with tomatoes
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg