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5 from 2 votes

Pesto Farmers Market Salad with Grilled Chicken

A loaded farmers market salad with all sorts of fresh produce, bacon, some grilled chicken, and the most delish pesto vinaigrette.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Salad, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian, American
Servings: 4 people
Author: Gaby Dalkin

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 4 slices thick cut bacon
  • 1 pint blueberries
  • 1 pint small strawberries
  • 1 sheet feta cubed
  • 1 handful small basil leaves
  • Fresh chives
  • 4 cups farmers market lettuce
  • Medium heirloom tomatoes sliced
  • 2 avocados thinly sliced

For the Chicken:

  • ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoons dried oregano

For the Pesto vinaigrette:

  • 4 tablespoons Barilla Traditional Basil Pesto
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until crispy and the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon and transfer it on a paper towel lined plate. Drain off most of the bacon grease, leaving just about 2 teaspoons.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper and coat with the fresh and dried herbs. In the same skillet, over medium-high heat, add the chicken to bacon grease and cook until golden and crisp on both sides, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and let rest. Slice into pieces when ready to serve.

For the vinaigrette: Combine the Barilla Pesto with the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

    Assembly: In a large bowl, assemble the salad. Start with the bed of lettuce, add the chicken, and then everything else. Drizzle with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

      Notes

      The vinaigrette lasts for a week in the fridge.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 935kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 78g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 42g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 776mg | Potassium: 1192mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 1167IU | Vitamin C: 99mg | Calcium: 252mg | Iron: 4mg