We’ve always been fans of Sweetgreen’s Chicken Pesto Parm for its fresh twist on Italian flavors packed into a wholesome bowl. This dish draws from the chain’s innovative salads blending tender chicken with vibrant pesto and a hint of parm making it a go-to for busy days.
As we recreate this favorite we’re focusing on simple ingredients that deliver big on taste and nutrition. Join us in bringing that cafe vibe home where every bite feels like a healthy indulgence.
Ingredients
We rely on fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients to bring the authentic taste of Sweetgreen’s Chicken Pesto Parm right to your kitchen, ensuring a balanced mix of proteins, greens, and flavors that make this dish both wholesome and irresistible.
For the Chicken
To prepare our tender, grilled chicken as the protein base, gather these essentials:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total, pounded to ½-inch thickness for even cooking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinating and searing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the Italian flair)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, approximately ½ teaspoon each, for seasoning before cooking)
For the Pesto
For our vibrant, homemade pesto sauce that adds a burst of herbaceous goodness, we use:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed, for the primary flavor base)
- ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted lightly for 2-3 minutes in a dry skillet to release oils and nutty notes)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced, for a pungent kick)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for maximum melt and flavor)
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (added gradually for smooth blending)
- Salt (to taste, about ¼ teaspoon, to balance the herbs)
For the Parm and Salad Base
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and kale, washed and dried for crunch)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved, for a juicy, sweet contrast)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced, for a sharp, fresh bite)
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese (use a vegetable peeler for thin ribbons to add a nutty finish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed, for a bright acidity in the dressing)
- Optional add-ins: 1 avocado (sliced, for creaminess, if desired for extra healthy fats)
Equipment Needed
With our fresh ingredients lined up for the Sweetgreen Chicken Pesto Parm, we now gather the essential tools to bring this nutritious dish to life effortlessly. These items ensure smooth preparation and help us capture the cafe’s vibrant flavors right in our kitchen.
To prepare the chicken, pesto, and salad base, we’ll need the following equipment. We’ve bolded key tools for emphasis and italicized specific uses to highlight their importance:
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For safely chopping fresh basil, red onion, and cherry tomatoes, allowing us to achieve precise, even cuts that enhance the dish’s texture.
- Food processor or blender: Essential for blending the homemade pesto into a smooth, aromatic sauce, blending toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan to lock in that bold Italian flavor.
- Mixing bowls (medium and large): To marinate the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in olive oil and herbs, and to toss the mixed greens with lemon juice for a refreshing salad base.
- Baking sheet or grill pan: For cooking the marinated chicken to tender perfection, ensuring it’s juicy and infused with garlic powder and Italian herbs.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure ingredients like olive oil and grated Parmesan, guaranteeing the right balance of flavors in our pesto and marinade.
- Tongs or spatula: For flipping and serving the chicken, helping us handle it without losing any of the flavorful juices.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the process and focus on creating a wholesome, tasty meal that echoes Sweetgreen’s appeal.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through preparing our Sweetgreen-inspired Chicken Pesto Parm step by step. We ensure each phase delivers flavorful results that capture the dish’s vibrant essence.
Prep
First, we prepare the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to infuse it with savory flavors, allowing the herbs to penetrate deeply for a tender bite.
Next, we make the homemade pesto. In a food processor, add 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and ½ cup of olive oil. Pulse until smooth, creating a vibrant green sauce that releases an aromatic blend of earthy and nutty notes.
Finally, we chop the salad components. Slice 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half, dice ½ a red onion into thin strips, and wash and dry 4 cups of mixed greens. If using avocado, cut 1 medium avocado into cubes for added creaminess, ensuring all elements are ready for a crisp, refreshing base.
Cook
We start by cooking the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet or grill pan and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, resulting in juicy, golden-brown pieces with a mouthwatering char that locks in the flavors.
While the chicken rests for 5 minutes, we can warm the pesto if desired. In a small saucepan, gently heat ½ cup of the prepared pesto over low heat for 2-3 minutes, enhancing its rich, herbaceous aroma without altering its fresh taste.
Assemble
We begin assembling the salad by layering 4 cups of mixed greens in a large serving bowl as the base. Add the sliced cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and cubed avocado if included, then top with the cooked chicken, sliced into strips for easy eating.
Drizzle ¼ cup of the homemade pesto over the ingredients and sprinkle ¼ cup of shaved Parmesan on top. Squeeze fresh juice from half a lemon over the salad to brighten the flavors, creating a harmonious mix of tangy, creamy, and savory elements that mimic Sweetgreen’s nutritious appeal. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, ensuring each bite delivers a burst of fresh, Italian-inspired goodness.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Sweetgreen Chicken Pesto Parm even more convenient for busy weeknights, we recommend preparing components in advance. This approach keeps the flavors fresh and allows you to assemble a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal quickly. Let’s break down the key steps for meal prep efficiency, focusing on the tender chicken, homemade pesto, and crisp salad elements.
Preparing the Chicken Ahead
We can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance to enhance its juicy texture and infuse it with garlic powder and Italian herbs. Start by combining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs in a bowl. Coat 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts thoroughly, then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag. Refrigerate immediately to maintain food safety and allow the flavors to develop.
Making Pesto in Advance
Our homemade pesto—featuring fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan—can be prepared ahead and stored for easy use. Blend 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and ½ cup of olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Once made, transfer the pesto to a glass jar or airtight container. To preserve its vibrant green color and aromatic essence, top it with a thin layer of olive oil and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Prepping Salad Components
For the salad base, we suggest chopping and storing the vegetables ahead to save time while keeping their crisp, refreshing crunch. Wash and dry 4 cups of mixed greens, then slice 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and ½ red onion. Place these in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. If using avocado, wait to slice it until assembly to prevent browning—simply store the whole fruit at room temperature. This method ensures the salad retains its bright, tangy appeal when combined with a squeeze of lemon juice later.
Storage Tips and Times
To help you plan effectively, we’ve outlined the make-ahead components and their optimal storage durations below. Proper refrigeration maintains freshness and safety, ensuring our Sweetgreen Chicken Pesto Parm tastes as delicious as the day you prepared it.
| Component | Preparation Method | Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinated Chicken | In airtight container or bag | Refrigerate | Up to 24 hours |
| Homemade Pesto | In glass jar with oil layer | Refrigerate or freeze | Up to 3 days (fridge) or 1 month (freezer) |
| Salad Vegetables | In separate airtight containers | Refrigerate | Up to 2 days |
When you’re ready to assemble, simply reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, and mix the pesto into the salad for a quick, flavorful meal that captures the essence of Sweetgreen’s wholesome vibe.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our take on Sweetgreen’s Chicken Pesto Parm
It’s a fantastic way to bring fresh, wholesome flavors into your routine
With this recipe we’ll elevate everyday meals while keeping things simple and nutritious
Give it a try and make it your go-to for balanced eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweetgreen’s Chicken Pesto Parm?
Sweetgreen’s Chicken Pesto Parm is a fresh, nutritious twist on Italian-inspired flavors, featuring tender marinated chicken, vibrant homemade pesto, and a touch of parmesan over a salad base. It’s designed for busy days, offering a wholesome meal that’s easy to recreate at home for a cafe-like experience with balanced taste and nutrition.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Pesto Parm?
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs; homemade pesto with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil; and a salad base of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shaved parmesan, lemon juice, plus optional avocado for creaminess. Focus on fresh, nutrient-packed items for the best results.
What equipment is required to make this dish?
Essential equipment includes a cutting board for prep, a food processor for pesto, mixing bowls for marinating, a baking sheet or grill pan for cooking chicken, measuring cups for accuracy, and tongs or a spatula for handling. These tools ensure a smooth, efficient preparation process.
How do I prepare Chicken Pesto Parm step by step?
Start by marinating chicken in olive oil and seasonings for at least 30 minutes. Make pesto by blending basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil. Prepare salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, onion, and lemon juice. Cook chicken on a baking sheet or grill pan until done, then assemble by topping salad with sliced chicken and pesto for a fresh meal.
Can I make Chicken Pesto Parm ahead of time?
Yes, marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance, prepare pesto and chop vegetables a day ahead for quick assembly. This is ideal for busy weeknights. Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge: chicken for up to 2 days, pesto for 3-4 days, and veggies for 1-2 days to maintain freshness.
How should I store the prepared components?
Store marinated chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Keep pesto in an airtight container for 3-4 days, topped with olive oil to prevent browning. Salad veggies should be refrigerated in a sealed bag for 1-2 days. Reheat chicken gently and mix everything fresh for the best flavor and safety.