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Lunch

Pesto Grilled Chicken & Farro Salad

5 min read

Nutty ancient farro, juicy sliced grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts tossed with a fragrant house-made basil pesto.

Pesto Grilled Chicken & Farro Salad
Prep10 min
Cook15 min
Serves4
DifficultyEasy

What you'll need

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 400 g / 14 oz total)

1 cup dry semi-pearled farro, rinsed

2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (or water)

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or rehydrated), sliced into strips

1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted

2 cups baby arugula or baby spinach

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/3 cup fresh basil pesto (extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano)

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for grilling chicken)

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp sea salt (divided)

1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

1/4 cup shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano (for garnish)

Let's make it

Instructions

1

Cook the farro: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed farro and broth with a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until tender yet pleasantly chewy. Drain any excess liquid, transfer to a wide bowl, and let cool to room temperature.

2

Season and grill the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Transfer to a cutting board, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

3

Toast the pine nuts: In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, gently toast the pine nuts for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately to prevent scorching.

4

Assemble the salad base: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, baby arugula, and cooled farro into a large mixing bowl.

5

Dress and combine: Add the fresh basil pesto and fresh lemon juice over the farro mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly and brightly coated.

6

Plate and serve: Divide the dressed farro salad among 4 bowls or plates. Top each serving with the sliced grilled chicken, toasted pine nuts, and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. Finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.

Wellness

Nutrition

Calories: 450
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 18 g
Fibre: 6 g
Sodium: 390 mg
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