BY CHEF KATIE MIST

Chicken, Roasted Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with Basil Almond Pesto

Chicken, Roasted Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with Basil Almond Pesto is a midweek, meal prep game-changer. Cruciferous veggies, like broccoli, are a key factor in optimal perimenopause and menopause health because they aid in liver detox which can help us regulate hormone levels. The pesto is loaded with almonds which contain tryptophan. Tryptophan can help to produce serotonin. Yup, time to help support your mood. Take that executive functioning to the next level and make this Chicken, Roasted Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with Basil Almond Pesto salad on Sundays. that way, you'll have something quick and healthy on hand during the week -- for you, your family, the kids, heck your neighbors!

Chicken, Roasted Broccoli & Quinoa Salad with Basil Almond Pesto

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, cook according to package instructions

• 2 cups broccoli florets, roasted

• 1 1⁄2 cups shredded chicken

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1 roasted red bell pepper, drained if using jarred, cut into about 1⁄3 inch pieces

• 1⁄2 - 3⁄4 cupsBasil Almond Pesto

• Cherry tomatos, sliced

• Garbanzo beans, rinsed and dried

• Green onion, sliced

• Avocado, sliced

• Tahini sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450

2. Toss broccoli florets with extra virgin olive oil and salt

3. Roasted at 450 until the edges are slightly charred, about 12-15 minutes

4. Pull from oven and set aside before assembling bowls

5. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine.

6. Taste for seasoning, add more salt and pepper if necessary.