Introduction
This vibrant salad combines the freshness of fruits with tender grilled chicken, creating a delightful and nutritious dish. The well-balanced dressing adds a zing that elevates the flavors, making it perfect for a light dinner or a refreshing lunch. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a meal at home, this salad is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 cups torn butter lettuce
1 shallot, diced
1½ cups sliced strawberries
1 cup sliced pineapple
¾ cup blueberries
¾ cup mandarin oranges
Juice of ½ lime
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
4 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup olive oil or grapeseed oil
½ teaspoon ground mustard
1½ tablespoons poppy seeds
1 tablespoon orange juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup chopped roasted cashews
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
This colorful and nutritious salad is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. The combination of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing ensures each bite is bursting with flavor. Serve it immediately for the best taste and enjoy the perfect balance of textures from the crisp greens, juicy fruits, and savory chicken.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
– Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
– Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
– Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
Assemble the Salad
– In a large bowl, combine the torn butter lettuce and diced shallot.
– Add the sliced strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, and mandarin oranges.
– Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken.
– Sprinkle the chopped roasted cashews over the salad.
Prepare the Dressing
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar, olive oil, ground mustard, poppy seeds, orange juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Dress the Salad
– Drizzle the prepared dressing over the assembled salad.
– Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve
– Serve the salad immediately, ensuring each serving includes a mix of the greens, fruits, chicken, and cashews.
Notes
Chicken Cooking Tips
– For optimal taste, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and seasonings for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Salad Variations
– Feel free to substitute other fruits or nuts according to seasonal availability or personal preferences. For example, you might use apples instead of strawberries or walnuts instead of cashews.
Storage Instructions
– If preparing in advance, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately to maintain freshness. Combine just before serving.
Dressing Adjustments
– Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of honey to taste. You can also replace honey with a different sweetener if desired.
Cook Techniques
Grilling Chicken
To grill chicken breasts, season them with salt and pepper for flavor. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest before slicing for a juicy texture.
Assembling a Salad
Start by placing the base of torn butter lettuce in a large bowl. Add diced shallots for aromatics, followed by a mixture of fresh fruits such as strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, and mandarin oranges. Finally, top the salad with sliced grilled chicken and roasted cashews for crunch.
Preparing Salad Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine lime juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar, and olive oil. Add ground mustard, poppy seeds, orange juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well emulsified and smooth.
Dressing the Salad
Once the salad is assembled, drizzle the prepared dressing over the top. Use tongs to toss the salad gently, ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly without bruising the greens.
FAQ
What type of chicken can I use for this salad?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this salad, but thighs or grilled tofu can also be substituted for a different flavor or a vegetarian option.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Shake well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
What other fruits can I add to the salad?
You can add a variety of fruits such as apples, mangoes, or raspberries depending on your taste preferences and seasonal availability.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding grains like quinoa or farro, or additional protein sources like beans or chickpeas.
Is there a substitute for poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can replace them with sesame seeds or omit them entirely; the dressing will still be flavorful without them.
Conclusion
This vibrant salad combines the savory flavor of grilled chicken with a medley of fresh fruits and the crunch of roasted cashews, creating a delightful balance of textures and tastes. The homemade dressing, featuring a unique blend of vinegars and citrus, enhances the overall flavor profile, making it a perfect dish for a light meal or a refreshing side at any gathering. Enjoy the burst of flavors that each ingredient brings to this wholesome and nutritious salad.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken and Avocado Salad
Replace the fruits with diced avocados and add cherry tomatoes, corn, and black beans for a more savory twist.
Tropical Quinoa Salad
Incorporate cooked quinoa as the base and mix in the same fruits and cashews for a nutritious grain salad.
Mixed Greens and Roasted Vegetable Salad
Use mixed greens and top with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and fresh herbs, while keeping the chicken and dressing for flavor.
Fruit and Nut Spinach Salad
Swap butter lettuce with spinach and use a variety of nuts such as walnuts or almonds along with seasonal fruits for a different texture.
Grilled Shrimp Salad
Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, and keep the same fruity components for a lighter seafood version.
Citrus Kale Salad
Use kale instead of butter lettuce, add slices of grapefruit and orange, and keep the dressing to create a zesty salad alternative.
