Heart-Healthy Pesto Chicken Melt

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Heart-Healthy Pesto Chicken Melt, a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food. Featuring juicy grilled chicken breast, a homemade spinach-basil walnut pesto, and part-skim mozzarella, this open-faced sandwich is layered with nutrients and taste. Nestled on toasted whole grain bread and topped with fresh tomato slices, each bite is a satisfying blend of creamy, fresh, and savory goodness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe combines heart-smart ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil and walnuts to create a meal that’s big on flavor and great for your wellbeing. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend lunch, this dish proves that healthy eating can still be utterly delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Fresh baby spinach leaves
• 2 medium Garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup Walnuts
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 4 pieces Whole grain bread slices
• 1 large Tomatoes, sliced
• 4 ounces Part-skim mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 optional Olive oil spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 4

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pesto by combining basil leaves, spinach leaves, garlic cloves, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.

Step 5

With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

Step 6

Preheat your oven's broiler.

Step 7

Lightly toast the whole grain bread slices in a toaster or under the broiler for 2 minutes until just beginning to crisp, being careful not to burn them.

Step 8

Spread a generous amount of the prepared pesto over each toasted bread slice.

Step 9

Slice the grilled chicken breasts into thin pieces and layer evenly over the pesto on each slice of bread.

Step 10

Place a few tomato slices over each chicken layer and top with mozzarella cheese slices.

Step 11

Place the prepared melts on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Serve immediately, garnished with a light drizzle of olive oil if desired and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	947.3 grams (947.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2044

Total Fat 122.80g	157%
Saturated Fat 30.50g	153%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.20g
Cholesterol 377mg	125%
Sodium 3138mg	136%
Total Carbohydrate 70.10g	25%
Dietary Fiber 14.20g	51%
Total Sugars 16.50g
Protein 166.60g	333%

Vitamin D 4IU	18%
Calcium 1304mg	100%
Iron 11mg	59%
Potassium 2095mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.9%

Protein: 32.5%

Carbs: 13.7%