Chicken Kamut Pesto Pasta Salad with Fresh Tomatoes and Olives

I’m pretty much always into pesto, but especially at this time of year when all this beautiful sunshine is on it’s way to bringing us some beautiful basil! But don’t feel confined to just the classic basil and pine nut pesto, there are some excellent alternatives that add just as much flavor and are full of phytonutrients. I love to use parsley and spinach as well as carrot tops- just be sure to add some extra garlic and lemon juice. I also tend to use sunflower seeds as a more affordable option or walnut bits from the bulk bin as they are often a bit cheaper! This salad keeps well in the fridge and so it makes a perfect meal prep choice, especially as we head into spring and summer when you are feeling less inclined towards a warm meal.

Ingredients

Pesto

1-2 cups spinach/arugula (could also save some to add to the salad)

2-3 cups basil

2-3 cloves of garlic

2 tbsp nutritional yeast

1/2 cup nuts/seeds (always a good idea to soak these guys in advance)

1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/3 cup Olive Oil

Salad- measurements based on personal preference

Kamut pasta

sundried tomatoes

grape tomatoes

olives

bell peppers

Chicken

Method

Turn your oven to 400. Place your chicken in a bowl with lemon, garlic, salt and pepper and a drizzle of oil. Massage this through your chicken and add to the oven. Cook for about 20-25 mins depending on how large your pieces are.

Using a food processor or blender, add all the pesto ingredients (minus the olive oil). Blend until smooth, slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mix until you get that creamy texture, don’t be afraid to add a bit of water if you feel it’s too thick.

Cook your choice of pasta and once finish let it cool and drizzle with oil. Chop your veggies into bite size pieces. Allow chicken to cool and then slice and either add directly to your salad, or simply place on the side when you are ready to eat!

I use a big mixing bowl and toss all the ingredients together. I find this salad gets better with age and so makes a perfect meal prep for lunches throughout the week!