Mediterranean Chicken Salad ๐ฅ
Overview:
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Mediterranean Chicken Salad recipe! Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad bursts with vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. With tender chicken breasts nestled atop a bed of crunchy red cabbage, crisp spring onions, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious delight. Drizzled with a zesty dressing featuring coarse grain mustard and fragrant basil leaves, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So, grab your ingredients and let’s embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup spring onions, chopped
- 4 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 basil leaves, chiffonade
- 2 tablespoons coarse grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 416.5
- Fat Content: 27.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 92.8mg
- Sodium Content: 135mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 10g
- Fiber Content: 3.1g
- Sugar Content: 5.2g
- Protein Content: 32.9g
Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients:
- Start by thinly slicing the red cabbage, chopping the spring onions, halving the cherry tomatoes, and chiffonading the basil leaves.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and nicely charred.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- Divide the sliced red cabbage, chopped spring onions, halved cherry tomatoes, and chiffonaded basil leaves between two plates.
4. Arrange the Chicken:
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the salad ingredients on each plate.
5. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a jar, combine the coarse grain mustard and freshly ground black pepper.
- Close the jar tightly and shake well until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
6. Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chicken and salad on each plate, ensuring even distribution.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Mediterranean Chicken Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately and relish the explosion of flavors with every forkful.
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize your salad by adding your favorite Mediterranean ingredients, such as olives, cucumbers, or feta cheese.
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken breasts with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the salad.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and nutritious ingredients, this Mediterranean Chicken Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a light yet satisfying option, this salad ticks all the boxes. So, why wait? Whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a taste of the Mediterranean right in the comfort of your own home!
