Healthy Pesto Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Avocado pesto chicken salad made with an easy homemade nut free pumpkin seed & avocado pesto, then piled on toasted bread for a delicious, healthy sandwich.

Course Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch, Nut Free, Sandwich

Keyword avocado pesto chicken

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings sandwiches

Calories 502cal

Author Monique of AmbitiousKitchen.com

Ingredients

3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (about 12 oz)
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons raw pepitas (green pumpkin seeds)
1/2 ripe avocado
1 cup packed basil leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 small clove garlic
3 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 large carrots, shredded for crunch (can also sub tomato slices)
4 slices sprouted, whole grain, or gluten free bread
1 cup arugula

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a small baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add chicken breast and generously season with salt and pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked. Shred chicken with two forks once done cooking and add to a large bowl; set aside.
While chicken is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pepitas and toast until just barely golden; stirring frequently so they don't burn. This should take about 5 minutes.
Immediately transfer to the bowl of a food processor and add in avocado, basil, lemon juice, garlic, water and salt. Process until smooth, adding another tablespoon of water if necessary. Add pesto to bowl with the chicken and mix to combine.
Toast bread, top one slice with half of pesto chicken mixture, half of shredded carrots, and as much arugula as you'd like. Top with remaining slice. Enjoy!
Enjoy avocado pesto within 2-3 days.

Notes

Any nut can be used instead of the pumpkin seeds, but then it won’t be nut free. I do recommend toasting the nuts before you make the pesto — it adds more flavor.

Nutrition

Monique of AmbitiousKitchen.com