What To Serve With Pesto Chicken: Perfect Pairing Ideas!
Planning to make pesto chicken for dinner, but not sure what to serve it with?
You’re in the right place!
Here, we’re going to look at the most delicious complementary side dishes, some wine suggestions, and some dessert ideas to round off your meal with something sweet.
Let’s get going…
What to serve with pesto chicken
A veggie side dish pairs wonderfully with pesto chicken, and some delicious choices include eggplant parmesan, garlic roasted asparagus, and sautéed spinach.
You can make your meal more filling by adding a potato or grain based side dish, like garlic mash or Greek lemon rice pilaf.
If you want something a little lighter, a colourful Caprese salad or a crunchy green salad are tasty choices.
Keep reading for more ideas and inspiration…
Complementary Side Dishes
Vegetable-Based Sides
Many flavourful vegetable sides complement pesto chicken perfectly.
Some popular options include eggplant parmesan, and garlic roasted asparagus.
Additionally, sautéed spinach and roasted carrots with parsley and garlic are also delicious choices.
Potato and Grains
Pairing pesto chicken with potatoes or grain-based sides can make the meal more filling.
Some tasty options include Greek lemon rice pilaf, couscous, and quinoa and zucchini fritters.
Mashed cauliflower and garlic mashed potatoes are also wonderful additions to the meal.
Salads and Greens
Refreshing and healthy salads serve as excellent side dishes for pesto chicken.
Some favourites include Caprese salad, Italian salad, and Mediterranean chickpea salad.
Greens like green bean salad also pair well with the main dish.
Overall, there are numerous side dishes that can be served alongside pesto chicken to create a satisfying and delicious meal.
Whether you choose vegetable-based dishes, potatoes and grains, or refreshing salads and greens, you’re sure to impress your dinner guests with these tasty options.
(Love chicken based meals? Get more mealtime ideas by checking out side dishes for marry me chicken, the latest viral recipe sensation!)
Paired Beverages
When enjoying a delicious pesto chicken dish, selecting the appropriate beverage can enhance the flavours and overall dining experience. This section offers wine suggestions and non-alcoholic options that pair well with pesto chicken!
Wine Suggestions
A variety of white wines complement the herbal and savoury notes of pesto chicken. The following recommendations highlight wines that can effortlessly elevate your meal:
- Sauvignon Blanc – With crisp acidity and citrus notes, it pairs well with basil-based pesto sauces.
- Chablis – This French Chardonnay offers a balance of minerality and fruit, harmonising with the dish.
- Albariño – A Spanish wine known for its floral and citrus aromas, complementing the pesto’s flavours.
- Grüner Veltliner – This Austrian wine brings a hint of spice and refreshing acidity to the table.
- Pinot Gris – With its versatile palate, it supports the bold flavours of pesto chicken.
Non-Alcoholic Options
For those opting for non-alcoholic choices, there are several refreshing alternatives that can complement pesto chicken.
Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime is a simple but sophisticated option, and the subtle citrus notes accentuate the flavours of the pesto.
A herbal iced tea with blends such as basil, mint, or lemon verbena will complement the herbal elements of the pesto sauce.
And finally, a virgin mojito will bring a fizzy finish when you fancy something a little special.
Dessert Ideas for Pesto Chicken
After enjoying a delicious pesto chicken dinner, it’s time to think about sweet treats to round up the meal. Here are some dessert ideas that complement the flavours of pesto chicken:
Light and Refreshing
These desserts are perfect for those who want a palate cleanser after their savory pesto chicken main course:
- Lemon Sorbet – A zesty, ice-cold sorbet is ideal for cleansing the palate and preparing it for dessert.
- Summer Fruit Salad – A simple fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches can provide a refreshing contrast to the richer flavors of pesto chicken.
- Granita – This Italian frozen dessert can be flavoured with fruits, such as orange or lemon, and offers a light and refreshing end to the meal.
Decadent Choices
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, consider these dessert options:
- Tiramisu – This classic Italian dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder is a luxurious choice.
- Panna Cotta – A creamy Italian dessert that’s typically flavoured with vanilla and topped with a fruit sauce, panna cotta pairs well with pesto chicken.
- Chocolate Fondue – Gather your favourite fruits, marshmallows, and biscuits to dip into a rich, warm chocolate sauce for an interactive and indulgent dessert experience.
Quick Tips and Tricks
When planning your pesto chicken meal, incorporating side dishes that complement the flavours of the chicken is essential. Here are some quick tips and tricks to help you make the most of your culinary experience.
1. Balance the flavours by pairing pesto chicken with lighter options, such as sauteed spinach, steamed vegetables or eggplant Parmesan. These dishes provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pesto.
2. To enhance your meal’s visual appeal, serve side dishes with contrasting colours, such as roasted butternut squash with sage or roasted asparagus. This will make your plate look more attractive and inviting.
3. If you’d like to incorporate more carbohydrate-based sides, consider serving Greek lemon rice pilaf, cauliflower rice, or eggplant Parmesan to accompany your pesto chicken.
4. For a more casual dining experience, serve pesto chicken with finger-food options like baked sweet potato fries, garlic crack bread, or smashed potatoes.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and mix-and-match different sides to find your perfect pesto chicken pairing. Enjoy!
For more dinnertime ideas, take a look at what to serve with lemon pepper chicken.
