Winter Citrus Salad with Lemon Herb Chicken
It's that time of year again when the days are short and the craving for warm comfort food is at its peak. But sometimes, we need something that is both refreshing and nourishing. This is when a vibrant salad like this comes into the picture.
This isn't just any salad; it's a flavor explosion that perfectly balances the sweetness of winter citrus with the savoriness of lemon-herb chicken. The creamy avocado and the slight tang of the dressing adds more depth and complexity to it. Packed with nutrients and vibrant colors, this is a salad that will make you feel good from the inside out.
Why You'll Love This Salad:
- Seasonal Ingredients: Features fresh, in-season produce like Cara Cara oranges (or any sweet orange variety you like), pomegranates, and spinach.
- Protein-Packed: Grilled lemon-herb chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats for a balanced meal.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add or substitute any ingredients based on your preference.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Cara Cara oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or mint
For the Chicken Marinade:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1-2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Salt, pepper, and honey to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a pan or grill. Discard any extra marinade from the chicken and grill until cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, oranges, avocado, pomegranate arils, chickpeas, shallots, and fresh herbs.
- Add Chicken and Dressing: Add the sliced grilled chicken and drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine. Season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Enjoy your healthy and delicious Winter Citrus Salad!
Tips and Variations
- For a vegan option, omit the chicken and add some roasted tofu or extra chickpeas.
- If you don’t have Cara Cara oranges, any sweet orange or even grapefruit will work.
- Add some nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- Roast the chickpeas for a warm and crispy element.
- Customize the dressing to your liking by adding honey for sweetness or more mustard for tang.
This Winter Citrus Salad with Lemon Herb Chicken is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the season while staying healthy and nourished. It's a simple yet elegant salad that is sure to please.