Chicken, Pear, and Blue Cheese Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 113
This Chicken, Pear, and Blue Cheese Salad is an ideal light meal for those warm summer days when you’re looking for something refreshing yet satisfying. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, the tender chicken breasts paired with the crisp pears and creamy blue cheese bring a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. The mesclun greens add a fresh and slightly peppery bite, while the dressing ties it all together. To make this recipe even easier, grill extra chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the fridge for later use. It’s a simple, nutritious meal that can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect choice for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a hassle-free dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mesclun greens | 6 cups |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 breasts |
| Pears (sliced) | 2 pears |
| Fresh ground black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 113 kcal |
| Fat | 0.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 34.2 mg |
| Sodium | 39.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12.8 g |
| Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Sugar | 8.1 g |
| Protein | 13.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Salad Base
Start by placing the mesclun greens into a large salad bowl. The greens offer a light and slightly tangy flavor that will complement the sweetness of the pears and the richness of the chicken. -
Add Grilled Chicken
Slice the pre-grilled chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Add the chicken to the bowl with the greens. The chicken provides a satisfying, lean protein that will fill you up without weighing you down. -
Toss with Dressing
Pour your choice of salad dressing over the greens and chicken mixture. Toss gently to ensure that all the ingredients are lightly coated. A vinaigrette or a light blue cheese dressing would work beautifully to enhance the flavors of the salad. -
Assemble the Salad
Once the salad ingredients are well combined, divide the salad evenly among four chilled individual plates. This will help keep the salad crisp and refreshing, especially on a warm day. -
Add Pears
Arrange the sliced pears on top of each salad. The pears will bring a natural sweetness and juiciness that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken and creamy cheese. -
Finish with Fresh Pepper
Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top of each salad to add a bit of spice and balance out the sweetness of the pears. The pepper also brings a delightful depth to the overall flavor profile.
Tips
- Grilling Chicken Ahead of Time: To make this salad even quicker, grill a few extra chicken breasts the day before and store them in the fridge. This will make assembly even faster on busy days.
- Cheese Variation: If you’re a fan of different cheeses, feel free to swap the blue cheese for crumbled goat cheese or feta for a different twist on this salad.
This Chicken, Pear, and Blue Cheese Salad is a light yet filling option, ideal for busy weekdays, picnics, or as a side to your favorite meal. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors that will refresh and satisfy.
