Introduction

If you’re looking for a satisfying, low-calorie, and protein-packed salad that’s bursting with flavor, the WW 2-Point Pesto Chicken Salad is the perfect recipe to add to your rotation. This dish combines the rich, savory taste of pesto with tender chicken breast and fresh vegetables, creating a light yet filling meal that’s perfect for anyone following the Weight Watchers (WW) program. It’s ideal for meal prep, quick lunches, or even a light dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Not only does this salad come in at just 2 SmartPoints per serving, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that are both healthy and affordable. Pesto, typically made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, adds a vibrant burst of flavor without overwhelming the dish. The chicken provides lean protein, while the addition of fresh vegetables ensures that you’re getting plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a balanced and nutritious option.

In this comprehensive recipe guide, we will cover everything from the ingredients to detailed step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, nutritional breakdown, and SmartPoints calculation. With this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious, low-calorie meal that fits into your WW lifestyle without feeling deprived.

Ingredients

To make WW 2-Point Pesto Chicken Salad, you will need the following ingredients. These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious and filling salad that won’t break your SmartPoints budget.

For the Chicken Salad:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 6 oz each)
  • 3 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine lettuce)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts (optional, for extra crunch and flavor)
  • 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed (or use a lighter cheese if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for cooking the chicken)

For the Pesto:

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds, or cashews for variations)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 teaspoons water, if needed to thin the pesto

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken breasts. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips or cubes. Letting the chicken rest ensures that the juices stay inside, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

2. Prepare the Pesto

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or chosen nut), minced garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and combined. With the processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the pesto comes together into a smooth, paste-like consistency. If the pesto seems too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

3. Assemble the Salad

Now that your chicken and pesto are ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large bowl or plate, arrange the mixed greens. Top the greens with the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Sprinkle the cubed mozzarella cheese over the salad, adding a creamy and cheesy element that pairs perfectly with the pesto.

If using, sprinkle the pine nuts over the top for an extra bit of crunch and flavor. These add a slight richness and texture contrast, which complements the freshness of the salad.

4. Toss with Pesto

Drizzle the freshly made pesto over the salad ingredients. Start with a little and toss the salad gently, ensuring that each component is evenly coated. You can always add more pesto if you prefer a stronger pesto flavor, but be mindful of the SmartPoints if you’re tracking them.

5. Serving the Salad

Once everything is tossed together, your WW 2-Point Pesto Chicken Salad is ready to serve! This salad is perfect on its own for a light meal or can be paired with a side of whole-grain crackers or a small portion of roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.

6. Storage and Meal Prep

If you plan on making this recipe ahead of time, store the ingredients separately. Keep the pesto in a small container and the chicken, salad greens, and veggies in another container. This will ensure that the salad stays fresh, and the pesto doesn’t wilt the greens. When ready to eat, simply toss everything together and enjoy.

This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s best eaten fresh to maintain the texture and flavor of the greens. If you’re preparing it for meal prep, keep the pesto and the salad components separate until you’re ready to serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This recipe yields approximately 2 servings. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for 1 serving of WW 2-Point Pesto Chicken Salad:

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Fat: 22 g
    • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
    • Fiber: 2 g
    • Net Carbs: 4 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Weight Watchers SmartPoints Calculation

This recipe is incredibly low in SmartPoints, making it a great choice for those who are following the WW program. Here’s the SmartPoints breakdown for WW 2-Point Pesto Chicken Salad:

  • SmartPoints (Blue/Green/Purple): 2 SmartPoints per serving

If you add a higher-calorie dressing or additional toppings (such as extra cheese or nuts), be sure to adjust the SmartPoints accordingly. The beauty of this recipe is that the base ingredients—chicken, pesto, and vegetables—are already low in SmartPoints, allowing you to keep your meal light and satisfying.

Tips for Customizing Your WW Pesto Chicken Salad

1. Substitute the Nuts

While the recipe calls for pine nuts, you can easily substitute these with other nuts or seeds. Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can add a different texture and flavor to the pesto. Just be mindful of the SmartPoints for higher-calorie nuts and adjust accordingly.

2. Use a Lighter Cheese

If you’re looking to lower the SmartPoints even further, you can swap out the mozzarella cheese for a lower-fat variety or use part-skim mozzarella to cut down on the fat content.

3. Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to add extra vegetables to the salad to boost its nutritional value. Avocado, bell peppers, or zucchini are great options. These veggies are low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them perfect for a WW-friendly salad.

4. Spice Up the Pesto

For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto. This will give it a slight kick and add a layer of complexity to the flavor profile. You can also experiment with different herbs like parsley or arugula for a unique twist on the classic pesto.

5. Grill the Chicken

If you prefer grilled chicken over sautéed, feel free to cook the chicken on the grill instead. Grilling will impart a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fresh pesto. Plus, grilling is a great way to avoid adding extra oil or fat.

6. Make It Vegetarian

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh. These options provide a solid source of protein and can easily absorb the flavors of the pesto.

Final Thoughts

The WW 2-Point Pesto Chicken Salad is a vibrant, delicious, and healthy recipe that fits seamlessly into a Weight Watchers lifestyle. It offers a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables while keeping the SmartPoints low. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and filling meal that works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep throughout the week.

This recipe is versatile, customizable, and can easily be modified to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking to stick to your WW points, meal prep for the week, or just enjoy a fresh, satisfying salad, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite in your healthy recipe collection. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory pesto, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables in every bite!