Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken
A vibrant and nutritious salad featuring crisp greens, zesty lemons, and succulent chicken, perfect for winter gatherings or a healthy lunch.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Stay moist and tender.
- 2 medium cara cara oranges Juicy and sweet.
- 1 ripe avocado For creamy texture.
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds Adds visual appeal.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped Nutritious base.
- 1 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained Enhances protein content.
- 1 thinly sliced shallots
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or mint) For aromatic freshness.
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 whole lemon, juiced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1-2 tbsp champagne vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon or grainy mustard
- to taste salt and pepper Season to taste.
- 1 tbsp honey For sweetness.
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.
- Place the chicken breasts in this marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Dressing
- Mix the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings in another bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy, setting it aside for later.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through, golden brown, and no longer pink in the center.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss together the fresh spinach, cara cara oranges, sliced avocado, pomegranate seeds, chickpeas, shallots, and fresh herbs.
Dress and Serve
- Lay the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing and gently toss together.
- Season to taste and drizzle with olive oil just before serving.
Notes
To elevate your salad, consider adding roasted nuts or seeds for crunch. Additionally, seasonal fruits can add an exciting twist. Store components separately to maintain freshness.