Grilled Chicken with Spinach and Pine Nut Pesto

Gluten Free
Health score
24%
Grilled Chicken with Spinach and Pine Nut Pesto
23 min.
4
383kcal

Suggestions

There is something undeniably magical about the moment a perfectly grilled chicken breast meets a vibrant, homemade pesto, creating a dish that feels both gourmet and effortlessly achievable in just twenty-three minutes. This gluten-free masterpiece is a celebration of fresh flavors, where the earthy richness of toasted pine nuts dances with the bright, zesty kick of fresh lemon and tender baby spinach. Unlike store-bought varieties that can sometimes taste overly processed or greasy, this version offers a creamy, aromatic profile that clings beautifully to the savory, smoky exterior of the grilled meat, promising a meal that is as satisfying as it is visually stunning.

What makes this recipe truly special for the home cook is its incredible versatility and efficiency. You do not need to spend hours in the kitchen; simply by heating a grill pan and pulsing a few fresh ingredients in a processor, you unlock a burst of summer in every bite. The nutritional profile is equally impressive, delivering a hearty serving of protein while keeping carbohydrates minimal, making it an ideal choice for a quick, nutritious lunch or a light yet fulfilling dinner. Best of all, this dish is designed with future-you in mind. By portioning half of the pesto into ice cube trays for freezing, you ensure that those bright, fresh flavors are always on hand to elevate simple salads, pasta, or future grilled proteins, turning a single cooking session into a week of culinary inspiration.

Imagine the aroma of olive oil, lemon, and toasted nuts filling your kitchen as the chicken sizzles, promising a meal that is not only healthy but genuinely exciting. It is the perfect balance of textures and tastes that proves you do not need complicated techniques to create restaurant-quality food. Gather your ingredients, fire up that grill pan, and prepare to enjoy a dish that brings joy to the table and delight to your palate.

Ingredients

  • ounces lightly baby spinach leaves packed
  •  chicken breasts boneless
  • tablespoons juice of lemon fresh
  • teaspoons lemon zest grated
  • 0.3 cup olive oil 
  • 0.3 cup parmesan freshly grated
  • 0.3 cup pinenuts toasted
  • servings salt and pepper black freshly ground

Equipment

  • bowl
  • grill
  • grill pan

Directions

  1. Watch how to make this recipe.
  2. Heat a grill pan on medium high heat. Lightly oil the grill pan.
  3. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
  4. Combine the spinach, pine nuts, lemon juice, and lemon peel in a processor. Lightly pulse. With the machine running, gradually add 1/3 cup of the oil, blending until the mixture is creamy.
  5. Add salt and pulse. Put half of the pesto into ice cube trays and store in the freezer for future use.
  6. Transfer the rest of the spinach mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in the Parmesan. Season the pesto with salt and pepper, to taste.
  7. Spread the pesto over each piece of chicken and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories383kcal
Protein29.7%
Fat67.65%
Carbs2.65%

Properties

Glycemic Index
22.75
Glycemic Load
0.15
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
22.30086947524%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.37mg
Hesperetin
1.09mg
Naringenin
0.1mg
Apigenin
0.02mg
Luteolin
0.13mg
Kaempferol
0.9mg
Myricetin
0.05mg
Quercetin
0.59mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:382.79kcal
19.14%
Fat:28.93g
44.51%
Saturated Fat:4.92g
30.74%
Carbohydrates:2.55g
0.85%
Net Carbohydrates:1.82g
0.66%
Sugar:0.64g
0.71%
Cholesterol:77.99mg
26%
Sodium:276.43mg
12.02%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:28.57g
57.15%
Vitamin K:84.38µg
80.36%
Vitamin B3:12.29mg
61.46%
Selenium:38.25µg
54.65%
Manganese:0.9mg
45.1%
Vitamin B6:0.89mg
44.71%
Phosphorus:351.41mg
35.14%
Vitamin A:1431.84IU
28.64%
Vitamin E:3.91mg
26.09%
Vitamin B5:1.7mg
16.96%
Magnesium:66.12mg
16.53%
Potassium:565.27mg
16.15%
Calcium:121.44mg
12.14%
Vitamin B2:0.19mg
11.08%
Vitamin C:8.95mg
10.85%
Zinc:1.51mg
10.07%
Folate:37.05µg
9.26%
Copper:0.17mg
8.3%
Iron:1.46mg
8.1%
Vitamin B1:0.12mg
7.97%
Vitamin B12:0.33µg
5.43%
Fiber:0.72g
2.9%
Vitamin D:0.15µg
1.03%