Perfectly Balanced Italian Salad with Chicken

Looking for a refreshing and satisfying salad that combines fresh vegetables, lean protein, and tangy dressing? Look no further than this Perfectly Balanced Italian Salad with Chicken! This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With just 30 minutes of cooking time and serving four people, it's the perfect choice for lunch or dinner.

The key ingredients for this salad are chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, romaine lettuce, red onion, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Each component brings its own unique flavor to the table, ensuring that you have a well-rounded dish in every bite.

Begin by preparing the chicken breast. You can either grill it or bake it until fully cooked through. Once done, allow the chicken to rest for about five minutes before slicing into thin strips. While the meat is resting, start assembling your vegetables and cheeses. Wash and chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and romaine lettuce. Crumble the feta cheese and Kalamata olives.

Once all the ingredients are ready, it’s time to mix them together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with the chopped vegetables and cheeses. Gently toss everything until evenly distributed. Now comes the most important part—dressing. A well-made lemon vinaigrette is what brings this salad together. Whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of dried oregano. Drizzle over the salad and toss again to ensure each piece gets covered with dressing.

For those who prefer their salads on the side, you can serve it that way too! Place individual servings on plates or bowls alongside your favorite grilled or baked bread for an extra touch of flavor. Alternatively, if you enjoy eating from a single bowl as I do, this salad is delightful when eaten directly out of its container.

This Perfectly Balanced Italian Salad with Chicken isn’t just about taste; it’s also beneficial for your health. Packed with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants found in various fruits and vegetables, it supports overall wellness while satisfying hunger pangs effectively.

Cooking Time & Servings

Preparation time: Approximately 25 minutes
Cooking time (if grilling chicken): About 15 minutes
Total preparation including cooking: Around 30-40 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves four people generously.

Tips for a More Exciting Salad

• Feel free to add more greens by tossing in spinach leaves or arugula.
• If you love spicy foods, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
• To enhance flavor further, consider adding capers and black olives instead of just Kalamata olives.

For those who wish to vary the main protein source used in this dish, you could try substituting the chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu. Both options provide excellent results and are equally healthy choices. Another variation idea is incorporating more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for an even heartier salad.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Protein: About 40g
Fat: Around 18g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and olives)
Carbohydrates: Roughly 20g
Fiber: Close to 7g

Remember, portion control is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet. While this salad offers many health benefits, it should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall nutritious eating plan.

To sum up, if you're searching for a light yet filling meal that packs plenty of flavor and nutrition into one plate, then the Perfectly Balanced Italian Salad with Chicken is definitely worth trying. Whether you prepare it at home or order it from your favorite restaurant, this versatile dish will delight both your taste buds and body.