Pesto Chicken – Price, Calories, Nutrition & Ingredients | Cafe Zupas Menu Guide
Pesto Chicken is a Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish that combines grilled chicken breast, aromatic basil pesto, extra virgin olive oil, and aged Parmesan cheese. Rooted in Italian culinary traditions, the dish reflects the herb-driven flavor of Pesto alla Genovese, a classic basil sauce originating from Liguria, Italy. The combination of lean poultry protein, olive-oil fats, and fresh basil creates a balanced meal commonly featured across modern café menus and fast-casual restaurant concepts.
This herb-rich preparation delivers a savory blend of garlic, basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil while maintaining a moderate calorie profile. Because of its versatility, Pesto Chicken pairs naturally with artisan bread, pasta, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads, making it a popular choice among diners seeking Mediterranean-style flavor with high-quality protein.
Within the broader Cafe Zupas sandwich selection, this pesto-based chicken option stands out for its fresh herb profile and balanced nutrition. The combination of grilled chicken, basil pesto sauce, and mozzarella cheese reflects the culinary heritage of Italian basil-based sauces. When layered inside toasted artisan bread, these ingredients create a flavorful sandwich that aligns with modern Mediterranean-style fast-casual dining while maintaining the ingredient quality associated with Cafe Zupas menu items.
Pesto Chicken Price at Cafe Zupas
The Pesto Chicken sandwich on the Cafe Zupas menu typically falls within the premium sandwich category due to ingredients like grilled chicken breast, basil Pesto, and mozzarella cheese. Across most United States locations, the average price ranges between $8 and $10, depending on location and customization. Combo meals may include popular sides such as Tomato Basil Soup or fresh salads.
Cafe Zupas Pesto Chicken Sandwich Overview
The Pesto Chicken sandwich featured on the Cafe Zupas menu highlights herb-marinated chicken, toasted artisan sourdough bread, and creamy Italian cheese blends layered with crisp garden vegetables. The preparation emphasizes grilled poultry texture and a bright herbal sauce that complements the savory richness of melted cheese and warm bread.
This sandwich reflects elements of Mediterranean diet cuisine, where olive oil-based sauces, fresh herbs, and lean proteins create balanced meals. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herb spread, and toasted bakery bread delivers a flavorful profile commonly seen in modern fast-casual café sandwiches and contemporary bistro menus.
Pesto Chicken Calories and Nutrition Facts
This herb-forward chicken sandwich from the Cafe Zupas menu provides a protein-rich meal built around grilled poultry, herb-based pesto sauce, and artisan bread. The nutrition profile reflects a balance of lean chicken protein, olive oil fats, and moderate carbohydrates, making it a filling option within the cafe’s sandwich lineup.
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 670 kcal |
| Total Fat | 40 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 1140 mg |
These nutrition values help diners understand the overall Pesto Chicken sandwich calories and macronutrient profile before ordering from the Cafe Zupas menu.
Pesto Chicken Calories Per 100g
The Cafe Zupas Pesto Chicken contains a moderate calorie density when calculated per 100 grams. Because the sandwich includes grilled chicken, herb-based pesto sauce, melted cheese, and artisan bread, the energy distribution reflects a balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates typical of Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches.
| Nutrient | Amount (Per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 0.9 g |
| Protein | 7.8 g |
| Sodium | 340 mg |
This calorie density places Pesto Chicken among the moderate-calorie sandwiches within the Cafe Zupas menu lineup. Ingredient composition may vary slightly across different Cafe Zupas restaurant locations, depending on supplier sourcing and seasonal ingredient availability.
Cafe Zupas Pesto Chicken Ingredients List
This Mediterranean-style sandwich served on the Cafe Zupas menu uses a combination of grilled poultry, herb-based sauce, fresh vegetables, and artisan bakery bread. These ingredients reflect the Mediterranean flavor profile associated with Italian basil pesto preparations and modern café-style sandwiches.
Main Ingredients
- Grilled chicken breast
- Basil pesto sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh tomato slices
- Mixed greens
- Artisan sandwich bread
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Pine nuts
- Parmesan cheese
- Basil leaves
These ingredients deliver a combination of Mediterranean herbs, dairy richness, and lean poultry protein.
How to Make Pesto Chicken Sandwich at Home
A homemade Pesto Chicken sandwich uses grilled chicken breast, herb-rich basil Pesto, and melted mozzarella Cheese layered inside toasted artisan bread. The preparation follows the flavor tradition of Italian pesto-based sandwiches, combining lean poultry with basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil.
Basic preparation steps
- Season and grill chicken breast until fully cooked and tender.
- Toast artisan sandwich bread until lightly crisp.
- Spread a generous layer of basil pesto on the bread.
- Add grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, and tomato slices.
- Finish with fresh greens and serve warm.
Pesto Chicken Sandwich Gluten & Allergen Information
This pesto-based chicken sandwich served on the Cafe Zupas menu contains wheat gluten because it is prepared with toasted artisan sandwich bread. Individuals diagnosed with Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid the standard preparation unless a gluten-free bread option is available at their local restaurant location.
This sandwich also contains dairy ingredients, including mozzarella Cheese and parmesan used in traditional basil Pesto sauce. In many pesto preparations, pine nuts are included, which fall under tree nut allergens, so customers with nut allergies or lactose intolerance should review ingredient details provided by Cafe Zupas restaurants before ordering.
Pesto Chicken vs Other Cafe Zupas Sandwiches
Among the sandwich selections offered by Cafe Zupas, the Pesto Chicken option stands out for its herb-forward flavor and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Compared with other café sandwiches that rely on creamy dressings or smoked meats, this pesto-based chicken sandwich emphasizes basil, olive oil, and grilled poultry for a fresher taste profile.
| Feature | Pesto Chicken | Turkey Bacon Avocado | Italian Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Protein | Grilled chicken breast | Roasted turkey & bacon | Ham, turkey & bacon |
| Signature Flavor | Basil pesto & herbs | Avocado & smoky bacon | Italian deli meats |
| Cheese Type | Mozzarella cheese | Swiss cheese | Provolone cheese |
| Cuisine Influence | Mediterranean / Italian | American café | Italian-American deli |
| Overall Profile | Herb-rich and savory | Creamy and smoky | Bold and savory |
Customers exploring the Cafe Zupas sandwich lineup often compare this herb-forward option with other popular choices, such as Turkey Bacon Avocado and Italian Club, which offer different flavor profiles ranging from creamy avocado to classic deli-style meats.
Is Pesto Chicken a Healthy Sandwich?
This basil pesto chicken sandwich offers a balanced combination of lean poultry protein, olive-oil fats, and moderate carbohydrates, making it a satisfying option on the Cafe Zupas menu. Grilled chicken breast provides high-quality protein, while traditional basil Pesto contributes healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil along with aromatic herbs commonly associated with the Mediterranean diet.
However, the sandwich also contains artisan wheat bread, cheese, and pesto sauce, which increases the overall calorie and sodium content. For individuals focusing on lighter meals, pairing this sandwich with vegetable-based soups or fresh salads from the Cafe Zupas menu can help maintain a more balanced meal while still enjoying its herb-rich flavor profile.
Many diners pair this Mediterranean-style sandwich with lighter menu options such as Tomato Basil Soup or fresh garden salads available on the Café Zupas menu to create a more balanced café-style meal.
Low-Calorie Version of Pesto Chicken
A lighter variation of this basil Pesto Chicken Sandwich can reduce calorie intake while keeping its Mediterranean herb flavor. Using grilled chicken breast with whole-grain bread, reduced-fat mozzarella Cheese, and a smaller portion of basil Pesto helps lower overall fat and calorie levels. Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes and leafy greens can also increase fiber while maintaining the sandwich’s savory taste.
This modified preparation keeps the high-protein benefit of grilled chicken while reducing excess fats from cheese and pesto sauce. When paired with vegetable-based soups or garden salads available on the Cafe Zupas menu, the lighter version creates a more balanced meal suitable for calorie-conscious diners.
Final Thoughts
The Pesto Chicken sandwich on the Cafe Zupas menu combines grilled chicken, herb-rich basil Pesto, and melted mozzarella Cheese layered inside toasted artisan bread. Inspired by the traditional Italian sauce Pesto alla Genovese from Liguria, Italy, the sandwich delivers a savory balance of Mediterranean herbs, lean poultry, and creamy cheese.
Within the broader Cafe Zupas sandwich lineup, this pesto-based chicken option stands out for its fresh basil flavor and satisfying texture. For customers exploring the Cafe Zupas sandwiches menu, Pesto Chicken offers a satisfying option that combines Mediterranean ingredients, balanced nutrition, and bold basil flavor in a single meal.
