Pesto Chicken and Mozzarella Spinach Salad
A vibrant, keto-friendly salad featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and tender chicken. Tossed in a rich basil pesto and topped with crunchy walnuts for a satisfying crunch.
Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Total
20 min
Makes
1 serving
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Total
20 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Batch prep: Cook 2 or 3 extra chicken breasts at once to keep in the fridge for instant lunches later in the week.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 5 steps complete
Next: Season the chicken breast generously with salt…
- 01
Season the chicken breast generously with salt…
Season the chicken breast generously with salt and black pepper.
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Heat the olive oil in a skillet…
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Look for: golden brown and cooked through (165°F)
Tap card to mark done - 03
Combine the baby spinach
In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
Tap card to mark done - 04
If your pesto is very thick
If your pesto is very thick, thin it slightly with a teaspoon of water or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, then toss it gently with the salad mixture.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Top the dressed salad with the sliced…
Top the dressed salad with the sliced chicken and chopped walnuts.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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