π₯ Almond Crusted Chicken Tender Salad π
What is it?
Almond Crusted Chicken Tender Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines crispy almond-crusted chicken tenders with fresh greens and a variety of toppings, all drizzled with a flavorful dressing. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that’s perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is not well-documented, but it likely evolved as a creative way to enjoy chicken in a healthier and more exciting manner. The idea of coating chicken with nuts for added crunch and flavor has been popular in various culinary traditions.
Components:
- Chicken Tenders: The star of the dish, chicken tenders are typically seasoned, coated with crushed almonds for a nutty crunch, and baked or fried until golden and crispy.
- Salad Greens: A bed of fresh salad greens such as spinach, arugula, or mixed greens serves as the base of the salad.
- Toppings: Various toppings can be added for flavor and texture, including cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onions, and avocado.
- Dressing: A zesty dressing, often made with ingredients like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, is drizzled over the salad to tie all the flavors together.
- Garnishes: To enhance the visual appeal and taste, garnishes like toasted almond slices, crumbled feta cheese, or fresh herbs are often sprinkled on top.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Season chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices.
- Crush almonds and mix them with breadcrumbs for the coating.
- Dip each chicken tender into beaten eggs, then coat with the almond-breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake or fry the chicken tenders until they are cooked through and golden brown.
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Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange the salad greens on a plate or in a bowl.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onions, and avocado slices.
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Combine and Serve:
- Place the almond-crusted chicken tenders on top of the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and chicken.
- Garnish with toasted almond slices, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
Time Needed:
The time required to prepare Almond Crusted Chicken Tender Salad may vary depending on your cooking skills and method of preparation:
- Preparing the chicken tenders and baking/frying them can take about 30-40 minutes.
- Assembling the salad and dressing may take an additional 10-15 minutes.
- In total, you can expect to spend approximately 45-55 minutes to prepare this delightful salad.
Enjoy your Almond Crusted Chicken Tender Salad! π₯ππ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Crusted Chicken Tender Salad:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values):
- Serving Size: 1 salad (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 400-500 calories
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 5-7 grams
- Sugars: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 25-30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
- Cholesterol: 60-80 milligrams
- Sodium: 400-500 milligrams
- Vitamins and Minerals: A good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Health Information:
- Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
- Healthy Fats: Almonds provide healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
- Fiber: The salad greens and vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This salad is a good source of vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin health, as well as various minerals that are essential for various bodily functions.
- Moderate Calories: The calorie content of this salad can fit into a balanced diet, making it suitable for those looking to manage their weight.
- Balanced Meal: The combination of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vegetables makes this salad a balanced and nutritious meal option.
It’s worth noting that the exact nutrition values may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your preparation, so it’s a good idea to check labels and adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences.
