Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

this dish has got it all !!

comes together very quickly and serves 4 people !! yum!!

You'll need:

• 2 small or 1 large chicken breast

• 2 cups dry pasta (I like using a fun shape like radaitori, casarecce or bowties!)

• 1 tablespoon basil pesto

• 4 ish cups of chopped lettuce

• 2 persian cucumbers, diced

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)

• 1/4 cup sliced spicy pepperoni

• optional add ins: sun dried tomatoes, grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts

Marinade (chicken)

• 1 tablespoon basil pesto

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon avocado / olive oil

• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons avocado / olive oil

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon basil pesto

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 pinch sugar or a couple drops of honey

• a dash of italian seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Use a meat hammer to tenderize your chicken. Mix together a the marinade ingredients and marinate the chicken in a plastic bag or tupperware for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preaheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Warm up a cast iron skillet on your stove over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add in the chicken and sear each side for 5 minutes then transfer the skillet to the oven and cook an additional 15-20 minutes to cook through. You can add 1/2 of a lemon to the skillet and let it roast/ caramelize while the chicken is cooking & use it later for the dressing.

3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add a drizzle of avocado oil and then add in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and add in a tablespoon of basil pesto.

4. Remove chicken from the oven when its done. Let it sit for 5 minutes before cutting it into slices. Chop your lettuce and other salad ingredients. Mix together your dressing. Add lettuce, dressing, cucumber, pasta, parmesan & pepperoni to a large salad bowl and toss. Split into shallow plates and top with chicken!