Chicken and Watermelon Salad
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
This refreshing Chicken and Watermelon Salad offers a delightful combination of tender chicken, juicy watermelon, and zesty flavors, perfect for a light and satisfying meal. The salad features fresh ingredients like Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, crunchy hazelnuts, and a tangy lemon dressing, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re craving something vibrant for a warm day or looking for an easy yet elegant dish, this salad will undoubtedly hit the spot.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (preferably rotisserie) | 1 kg |
| Watermelon | 500 g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 60 g |
| Hazelnuts | 60 g |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Mixed Salad Greens (Insalata misticanza) | 60 g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Watermelon:
Begin by cutting the watermelon into 2 cm thick slices. From each slice, cut out triangular wedges and then dice these into small 2 cm pieces. Set aside in a bowl. -
Prepare the Chicken:
If using rotisserie chicken, carefully pull the larger pieces from the carcass. Shred the chicken into bite-sized, yet slightly chunky pieces, and transfer them to a mixing bowl. -
Prepare the Lemon:
Peel the lemon by cutting away the outer peel with a sharp knife, ensuring the bitter white pith is also removed. Once peeled, cut the lemon into small cubes or segments. -
Prepare the Parmigiano Reggiano:
Using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife, shave the Parmigiano Reggiano into thin flakes or small pieces. -
Toast the Hazelnuts:
Roughly chop the hazelnuts or break them into smaller pieces using your hands or a knife. This will add a pleasant crunch to the salad. If desired, lightly toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan for extra flavor. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced watermelon, lemon segments, and Parmigiano Reggiano flakes. Add the chopped hazelnuts and the mixed salad greens (insalata misticanza). -
Season the Salad:
Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring the ingredients are well coated. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. -
Toss and Serve:
Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Serve immediately as a light yet satisfying main dish.
Tips for the Perfect Salad
- Chicken Options: For added flavor, you can use grilled or roasted chicken instead of rotisserie chicken. Make sure to shred it to retain its tenderness and juicy texture.
- Watermelon Tip: If you find the watermelon too watery, gently pat the pieces dry with a paper towel before adding them to the salad to prevent excess liquid.
- Add Extra Crunch: For an added texture boost, consider incorporating other nuts such as almonds or walnuts in place of or alongside the hazelnuts.
This Chicken and Watermelon Salad is a beautiful dish, combining savory and sweet elements into a single refreshing bite. Itβs the perfect choice for a light dinner, a picnic, or a healthy lunch. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every forkful!
