Airline Salad, also known as “Airline Chicken Salad,” is a classic dish with an interesting history. It’s a salad preparation that is typically served on airplanes, especially in the early days of commercial aviation. Here’s a detailed response to your questions:
History:
The name “Airline Salad” originates from the golden age of airline travel when passengers were served gourmet meals on board. Airlines took pride in offering elaborate dishes that could be enjoyed at high altitudes. This salad was one such creation, designed to be elegant yet practical for in-flight service. Over time, it became popular beyond airplanes and is now found in many restaurants and cookbooks.
Components:
The components of an Airline Salad can vary, but the key elements typically include:
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Chicken Breast: Traditionally, a boneless, skinless chicken breast is used as the main protein. It’s often seasoned and cooked to perfection.
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Mixed Greens: A bed of fresh mixed greens like lettuce, spinach, or arugula serves as the base of the salad.
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Vinaigrette: A simple vinaigrette dressing, usually made with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings, is drizzled over the greens.
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Garnishes: Common garnishes include cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion rings, and sometimes a hard-boiled egg.
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Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a bread roll might be served on the side.
Preparation:
Here are the steps to prepare a classic Airline Salad:
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Season and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and cook the chicken until it’s cooked through and nicely browned on both sides. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken breast.
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Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Adjust the ratio to your taste.
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Assemble the Salad: Place a bed of mixed greens on a plate. Arrange sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion rings on top.
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Slice and Plate: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it diagonally into thin strips. Place the chicken on top of the salad.
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Drizzle with Vinaigrette: Drizzle the vinaigrette dressing over the salad, being careful not to over-saturate it.
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Serve: Optionally, serve with a slice of crusty bread or a bread roll on the side.
Time Needed:
The time needed to prepare an Airline Salad can vary depending on your cooking experience, but on average, it takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish. Cooking the chicken is the most time-consuming step.
Enjoy your Airline Salad, and feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and flavors!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of Airline Salad:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for a standard serving size):
- Calories: Around 350-450 calories, depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used.
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams from the chicken breast.
- Carbohydrates: Typically 10-15 grams, mainly from the vegetables and any added bread.
- Fiber: About 2-4 grams from the mixed greens and vegetables.
- Fat: Roughly 20-25 grams, primarily from the chicken and olive oil in the vinaigrette.
- Saturated Fat: Usually around 3-5 grams.
- Cholesterol: About 70-90 milligrams, primarily from the chicken.
- Sodium: Around 300-500 milligrams, depending on the seasoning and dressing.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Airline Salad is a good source of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and various B vitamins. It also provides essential minerals like potassium and iron.
Health Information:
- Protein: The chicken in Airline Salad provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
- Fiber: The vegetables in the salad contribute fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
- Healthy Fats: The use of olive oil in the vinaigrette adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Low in Added Sugar: Airline Salad is typically low in added sugars, making it a good choice for those watching their sugar intake.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The variety of vegetables in the salad provides essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health.
- Moderate Calories: Airline Salad can be a reasonable choice for those watching their calorie intake, especially when portion sizes are controlled.
Remember that the specific nutritional content of your Airline Salad can vary based on the ingredients and portion sizes you use, so it’s a good idea to check product labels and use a nutrition calculator if you have specific dietary concerns or requirements. Additionally, you can adjust the salad’s components to align with your nutritional goals, such as using a lighter dressing for reduced calorie and fat content.
