Looking for a fresh and vibrant meal that’s both nutritious and delicious? Dive into the world of "Turnip Noodle Bowls with Grilled Chicken & Turnip Greens Pesto"! This innovative dish transforms humble turnips into delightful noodles, topped with juicy grilled chicken and a creamy, herbaceous pesto that packs a punch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 turnips, spiralized
- 2 grilled chicken breasts
- 1 cup turnip greens
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pesto by combining turnip greens, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Set aside.
- Wash and trim turnips, then use a spiralizer to create long, noodle-like strands. Pat the spiralized turnip noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season grilled chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If not pre-grilled, grill chicken over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and quickly sauté the turnip noodles for 2-3 minutes, just until slightly softened but still maintaining a slight crunch.
- Transfer warm turnip noodles to serving bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken and drizzle generously with turnip greens pesto.
- Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while noodles and chicken are warm.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select fresh turnip greens and firm turnips. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the taste of your dish.
- Spiralizing Turnips: If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin, noodle-like strips. Just be sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Perfectly Grilled Chicken: If you're grilling the chicken yourself, ensure it’s at room temperature before grilling to achieve even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with the pesto by adding herbs like basil or parsley for an extra flavor boost. You can also substitute the walnuts with pine nuts or pecans based on your preference.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: When sautéing the turnip noodles, keep an eye on them! You want them to be tender but still retain a bit of crunch for the best texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with extra walnuts or fresh herbs for added color and crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
