Lunch: Spinach Pesto Chicken Salad Wrap

Trying to lower your blood pressure by watching sodium intake? Use herbs such as basil and other strong ingredients such as lemon, garlic and pepper for lots of flavor. This wrap is also a great way to work in more vegetables with the spinach.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Chicken Breast, Lemon, Spinach, Nuts, Basil

Health benefits of Spinach Pesto Chicken Salad Wrap

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

Cooking Spray
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon dried basil
3 cups baby spinach (large stems removed)
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
5 (6-inch) corn tortillas (or other whole-grain tortilla or wrap)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Season the chicken breasts with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and dried basil. Bake for 35 minutes or until done. Put the chicken breasts in the refrigerator to cool.
In a food processor, combine the spinach, pine nuts, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Lightly pulse. With the machine running, add the olive oil, blending until the mixture is creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Cut the cooked chicken into 1/2-inch pieces and shred. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken and pesto sauce; mix well.
Serve 1/2 cup chicken salad in each tortilla. Fold in the two sides of the tortilla and roll like a burrito. You can serve these immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free and this recipe can be made gluten-free.