Pesto chicken is one of the most delicious dishes you can prepare. It’s hearty, flavorful, and versatile – perfect for almost any occasion. Plus, it’s simple to make and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
Here, we share 15 of our favorite sides to serve with pesto chicken. Whether you’re looking for a light salad or a comforting casserole, this list has something for everyone.
Let’s get cooking!
Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With Pesto Chicken – By Chef Natalie
To save you time, and to make your decision easy, I have built a nice chart on why these side dishes go well with Pesto Chicken!
| Side Dish | Why It Goes Well with Pesto Chicken |
|---|---|
| Mediterranean Quinoa Salad | The light and refreshing flavors of the quinoa salad complement the vibrant and herby taste of pesto chicken. |
| Roasted Garlic Potatoes | The savory and garlicky roasted potatoes add a comforting and satisfying element to the pesto chicken dish. |
| Baked Asparagus with Parmesan | The tender and flavorful asparagus pairs well with the herbaceous pesto chicken, creating a balanced combination. |
| Roasted Vegetable Medley | A mix of roasted vegetables adds texture, color, and variety to the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience. |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | The slightly bitter and caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of pesto chicken. |
| Wild Rice Pilaf | The nutty and chewy wild rice complements the pesto chicken, offering a wholesome and hearty side dish. |
| Spaghetti Squash Casserole | The spaghetti squash casserole adds a unique twist to the meal, bringing a light and vegetable-based element to the pesto chicken. |
| Creamy Potato Gratin | The creamy and indulgent potato gratin pairs well with the flavorful pesto chicken, creating a satisfying and comforting combination. |
| Sauteed Spinach with Garlic | Sauteed spinach with garlic adds a nutritious and vibrant side dish that complements the pesto chicken’s flavors. |
| Roasted Eggplant and Tomatoes | The roasted eggplant and tomatoes offer a burst of Mediterranean flavors that harmonize with the pesto chicken. |
| Kale and White Bean Salad | The kale and white bean salad provides a hearty and nutritious side dish that complements the protein-rich pesto chicken. |
| Baked Zucchini and Mushrooms | The combination of baked zucchini and mushrooms adds a flavorful and vegetable-forward option to accompany the pesto chicken. |
| Greek-Style Orzo Salad | The tangy and refreshing Greek-style orzo salad pairs well with the vibrant pesto chicken, creating a Mediterranean-inspired meal. |
| Roasted Cauliflower | The roasted cauliflower brings a deliciously caramelized flavor to the plate, balancing the richness of the pesto chicken. |
| Sauteed Green Beans with Almonds | The sauteed green beans with almonds offer a crunchy and nutritious side dish that complements the pesto chicken’s flavors. |
1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
The Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the perfect accompaniment to Pesto Chicken.
This flavorful dish features a combination of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and herbs that will tantalize your taste buds.
For the quinoa, use your favorite variety and cook it according to package instructions.
Once cooked, fluff with a fork and add it to a large bowl.
Then, add in chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, feta cheese crumbles and parsley.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Mix everything together until combined.
Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor profile.
Enjoy!
2. Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Roasted garlic potatoes are a savory side dish that perfectly complements pesto chicken. Not only are they simple to make, but their flavor is sure to have your guests coming back for seconds.
To make roasted garlic potatoes, you’ll need:
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Potatoes:
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Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best
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Cut them into 1-inch cubes
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Garlic cloves:
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Peel and slice the cloves into thin slices
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Olive oil:
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Enough to coat all of the potato cubes and garlic slices
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Salt & pepper: For seasoning the potatoes before roasting.
Once the ingredients are ready, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place the potatoes and garlic on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper and use your hands to mix everything together until evenly coated.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Serve alongside pesto chicken for an unforgettable meal!
3. Baked Asparagus With Parmesan
The perfect side dish to pair with pesto chicken is a delicious baked asparagus with parmesan.
Asparagus is a tender and flavorful vegetable that’s incredibly easy to prepare.
Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly oiling a baking sheet.
Then, take your bunch of asparagus and trim off about an inch from the bottom of each spear.
Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet and sprinkle with olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese.
Bake for 15 minutes or until the spears are nicely browned at the tips.
The result is a crunchy, garlicky side dish that perfectly complements pesto chicken.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile; you can use any kind of cheese you have on hand instead of parmesan if desired.
You can also swap out garlic for herbs such as oregano or basil if you prefer a more herb-forward flavor profile.
If you want to add some acidity to your asparagus dish, try adding some freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mix before baking for an extra hit of flavor.
No matter which way you choose to make it, this baked asparagus dish is sure to be a crowd pleaser with your pesto chicken dinner!
Serve it alongside other sides like roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
4. Roasted Vegetable Medley
A vibrant and flavorful roasted vegetable medley is the perfect accompaniment to pesto chicken.
Asparagus, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes are ideal vegetables to roast with a light coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roasting vegetables not only brings out their natural sweetness but also adds a smoky depth to any dish.
The combination of vibrant colors and textures creates an array of flavor that is sure to please any palate.
The beauty of roasting vegetables is the flexibility it offers in terms of seasoning.
Experiment with herbs such as rosemary or thyme for an earthy boost or blend some garlic powder for a subtle heat.
Whichever spices you choose, your roasted vegetable medley will be packed with flavor that pairs wonderfully with pesto chicken.
Serve your finished medley warm alongside pesto chicken for a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy.
This simple dish makes a great side for family dinners or casual get-togethers alike – no matter the occasion, you can’t go wrong with this classic pairing!
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Moving on from the roasted vegetable medley, let’s explore a delicious side dish of roasted Brussels sprouts.
This veggie is one of the most versatile additions to any meal, and when cooked properly it makes for a delightful accompaniment to pesto chicken.
Brussels sprouts have a unique flavor that pairs especially well with pesto.
To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and washing your Brussels sprouts in cold water.
After patting them dry, cut each one in half and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before tossing everything together to coat evenly.
Roast for about 20 minutes until they are tender and golden brown at the edges.
This simple yet flavorful side dish will be a hit at any dinner table!
The nuttiness of the Brussels sprouts perfectly complements the richness of the pesto chicken while still allowing each ingredient to shine through its own flavor profile.
Enjoy!
6. Wild Rice Pilaf
Pesto chicken is a delicious and healthy meal option, but it requires the perfect accompaniment to make it truly special. Wild rice pilaf provides just that!
This unique side dish is packed with flavor, nutrient-rich ingredients, and textures that perfectly complement the bold flavor of pesto chicken.
Wild rice pilaf is easy to prepare and can be adjusted to suit any taste.
Start by sautéing onions in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. Then add wild rice, dried cranberries, almonds, and vegetable broth to the pan.
Simmer for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender. Finally, top with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and flavor.
This hearty dish will take your meal to the next level! Enjoy it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
The possibilities are endless – try adding grilled peppers, diced apples, fresh herbs, or feta cheese for even more flavor. Experiment with different combinations to create an unforgettable meal!
7. Spaghetti Squash Casserole
This Spaghetti Squash Casserole is the perfect accompaniment to pesto chicken.
It’s full of fresh flavors, with a hint of garlic and buttery parmesan.
The spaghetti squash is cooked to perfection, so you can cut it into thin strands that make a deliciously crunchy texture.
The casserole also has a layer of creamy ricotta cheese, which adds richness and moistness.
This dish is incredibly easy to put together – all you need to do is bake the squash, prepare your ingredients and assemble everything together in one dish.
You can also customize it with additional ingredients like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
To top it off, this casserole tastes even better when reheated the next day – making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
This Spaghetti Squash Casserole offers an easy but tasty way to enjoy pesto chicken.
It’s packed with flavor and texture – plus, it’s super simple to throw together! So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
8. Creamy Potato Gratin
Creamy Potato Gratin is the perfect accompaniment to pesto chicken.
This classic side dish is made with thinly sliced potatoes, slow-cooked in cream and a touch of garlic.
The potatoes become incredibly tender and flavorful, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the cream sauce.
A gratin can be served as a meal on its own or as a side dish for any main course.
The key to making Creamy Potato Gratin is to layer the potatoes in an even layer, so they cook evenly and absorb all the flavor from the creamy sauce.
For best results, use waxy potatoes such as Yukon Golds or Red Bliss that are able to retain their shape during cooking.
Once layered in a greased baking dish, top it off with some extra cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious addition of flavor.
Bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbly, about 30-35 minutes depending on how thinly you have sliced your potatoes.
Serve hot straight out of the oven – this dish will be sure to impress!
9. Sauteed Creamy Potato GratinWith Garlic
Making a creamy potato gratin can be a delicious and impressive way to start any meal.
But for an even more exciting dinner, try pairing pesto chicken with this classic side dish.
To complete the menu, sautéed spinach with garlic adds a flavorful and healthy element that is sure to please any crowd.
Giving this dish its signature flavor are three distinct ingredients:
- Garlic – adding robust aromatics and a hint of sharpness
- Extra-virgin olive oil – providing luxurious richness
- Spinach – providing an earthy, sweet backbone
These components come together in just minutes, creating an easy yet sophisticated side that pairs perfectly with pesto chicken.
The bright flavor of the olive oil is complemented by the light sweetness of the spinach while the garlic takes it all up a notch with its assertive bite.
A simple combination of ingredients results in something truly special!
10. Roasted Eggplant And Tomatoes
The combination of roasted eggplant and tomatoes is a delicious way to complement the flavors in pesto chicken.
The eggplant’s soft texture and subtle flavor pair beautifully with the bright, acidic notes of the tomatoes.
As they slowly roast in the oven, their aroma fills your kitchen with anticipation for the meal ahead.
To make this side dish, simply cut eggplant into 1” cubes and halve cherry tomatoes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
Once lightly coated, spread them over a baking sheet and roast until tender – about 25 minutes at 375°F.
As they emerge from the oven, their juices bubbling and skins slightly charred, you’ll understand why this dish pairs so well with pesto chicken.
Serve it hot or cold – either way, you won’t be disappointed!
11. Kale And White Bean Salad
The roasted eggplant and tomatoes were a delicious side dish, but now it’s time to move onto something even more vibrant.
Kale and white bean salad is the perfect addition to any meal, especially one featuring pesto chicken.
This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a great option for a healthy dinner.
Kale is an incredibly nutrient-dense leafy green, providing vitamins A, C, E and K along with dietary fiber and minerals like magnesium.
Paired with white beans that are full of protein and iron, this salad will ensure your meal packs a nutritional punch.
Fresh herbs add depth of flavor that makes this salad shine – think fresh oregano or thyme – while lemon juice adds just the right amount of acidity.
Top it all off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess and you have yourself an amazing accompaniment to pesto chicken.
12. Baked Zucchini And Mushrooms
Baked Zucchini and Mushrooms is an ideal accompaniment to Pesto Chicken.
This dish is light, flavorful, and full of healthy nutrients. It can be served as a side or a main dish depending on the occasion.
To make this easy side dish, start by preheating the oven to 375°F and lightly oiling a baking tray.
Slice the zucchini into rounds, and cut the mushrooms into quarters.
Place both vegetables onto the baking tray and drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Bake for 20 minutes until they are golden brown and tender.
This tasty vegetable side dish pairs perfectly with Pesto Chicken.
It makes an excellent meal choice for those who prefer plant-based options but also want something that’s packed with flavor.
The combination of zucchini, mushrooms, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder creates a delightful medley of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
13. Greek-Style Orzo Salad
The subtle Italian flavors of the pesto chicken make it a perfect foil for something light, yet flavorful.
Baked zucchini and mushrooms provide that balance, with their tender texture and earthy flavor.
This pairing is perfect for an evening meal or as part of a larger spread.
For the next course, let’s up the flavor ante even more with Greek-style orzo salad.
The combination of feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs brings bright Mediterranean notes to the dish – a wonderful complement to the fragrant pesto chicken.
The salty feta cheese contrasts nicely with the acidity of the tomatoes and olives, while the herbs provide a hint of sweetness to round out the flavor profile.
This delectable combination is sure to tantalize your taste buds – and make your meal complete. Pesto chicken and Greek-style orzo salad have all you need in terms of flavor, texture, and color to make any dinner a success.
Enjoy!
14. Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower is a great accompaniment to Pesto Chicken.
This veggie side dish offers a simple flavor combination that can be dressed up with seasonings and herbs.
The mild taste of cauliflower pairs perfectly with the robust garlic, basil, and Parmesan flavors in the pesto chicken.
Plus, it’s an easy way to add some extra veggies to your meal!
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your roasted cauliflower:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the head of cauliflower into bite-size florets.
- Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper (or any other herbs or spices you prefer).
- Spread the florets on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until golden brown and tender.
Serve these delicious roasted florets alongside pesto chicken for an easy yet flavorful dinner that everyone will love.
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness while keeping them light and crispy – making them ideal for pairing with rich dishes like pesto chicken!
15. Sauteed Green Beans With Almonds
Sauteed Green Beans with Almonds is a simple, yet delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with pesto chicken.
The fresh flavor and crunch of the green beans combined with the nuttiness of the almonds create a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.
To make this dish, begin by blanching the green beans for about 3 minutes in boiling salted water.
Then, drain them and set aside. Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add in some thinly sliced almonds.
Saute for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Add in the blanched green beans and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Continue sauteing for an additional few minutes until the beans are tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Lastly, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top before serving warm.
| Table: | Quality | Taste | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh flavor & crunchy texture | Nutty & balanced taste | Quick & easy preparation time |
Conclusion
I’ve compiled 15 side dishes that perfectly complement pesto chicken.
From Mediterranean quinoa salad and roasted garlic potatoes to Greek-style orzo salad, there’s something here for everybody.
Not only are these dishes delicious, they’re easy to prepare, making them a great choice for busy weeknight dinners.
So if you’re wondering what to serve with your pesto chicken, look no further!
These sides will not only make your meal more complete, but they’ll also add flavor and variety the whole family will love.
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