Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Recipe: Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecans and Strawberries

Ingredients

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• cup pecans
• cup red wine vinegar
• cup white sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 heads Bibb lettuce - rinsed, dried, and torn
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the grill to high heat and lightly oil the grill grate.

Step 2: Grill the chicken until the juices run clear, approximately 8 minutes per side. Remove from the heat, allow to cool, and slice. Set aside.

Step 3: In the meantime, place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pecans, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: To make the dressing, combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, onion, mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Step 5: Arrange the torn lettuce on serving plates. Top each plate with slices of grilled chicken, fresh strawberries, and toasted pecans.

Step 6: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 567
• Fat: 46g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 43mg
• Sodium: 428mg
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Total Sugars: 19g
• Vitamin C: 18mg
• Calcium: 42mg
• Iron: 2mg
• Potassium: 367mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This refreshing and versatile Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit is the perfect dish to enjoy any time of the year. Featuring grilled chicken paired with fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries, mandarins, or apples, and topped with a crunchy, nutty pecan flavor, this salad is a balanced and flavorful meal that can easily be adapted to suit various tastes and preferences.

History and Origin

The origins of salads that incorporate grilled meat can be traced to the Mediterranean, where light, healthy meals have been a staple for centuries. Salads combining fruits and proteins became popular in the United States in the late 20th century, as people sought lighter, more nutritious meals. The fusion of grilled chicken and fruit in a salad became increasingly common as chefs experimented with fresh, seasonal ingredients and healthy dressing alternatives. Today, variations of the grilled chicken salad are enjoyed worldwide, from home kitchens to gourmet restaurants.

Regional Variations

In many regions, the Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit takes on different forms depending on the available produce and local preferences. In the United States, this dish often features ingredients like strawberries, blueberries, and mandarins during the summer, while in colder months, apples, pears, and dried fruits might be used. In Mediterranean countries, the salad might incorporate olives, feta cheese, or herbs like mint and oregano to enhance the flavor profile. Additionally, some regions may substitute pecans with other nuts such as walnuts or almonds, depending on what is locally available.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While similar to other protein-based salads, such as the classic Cobb salad or Caesar salad, the Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit stands out due to its fresh, fruity components and light dressing. Unlike the rich, creamy dressings found in many other salads, this dish typically uses a vinaigrette made from red wine vinegar, sugar, and mustard, offering a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the grilled chicken. The addition of seasonal fruit brings an extra layer of sweetness and color, setting this salad apart from its more traditional counterparts that focus primarily on vegetables or more indulgent dressings.

Where It's Typically Served

This salad is a popular choice for outdoor gatherings, casual dinners, or as a refreshing lunch option. It is often served in the summer when fresh fruits are abundant, making it a go-to choice for picnics, barbecues, or light meals. Many restaurants, especially those focused on healthy, seasonal menus, feature this salad as a signature dish. It can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, or served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish during a larger meal. The flexibility of the ingredients makes it an ideal dish to serve at gatherings where guests can choose their preferred fruits and toppings.

Fun Facts

• The combination of fruit and grilled chicken is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
• In some regions, this salad is made with a variety of fruits throughout the year, using whichever seasonal options are available, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly dish.
• The dressing for this salad can be easily modified to suit different dietary needs, such as using olive oil instead of vegetable oil, or substituting honey for sugar.
• This salad is a great option for those following a high-protein or low-carb diet, especially when paired with a low-sugar dressing.

Conclusion

Whether you're enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a summer barbecue, the Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit is a healthy, refreshing, and versatile dish. With its mix of savory grilled chicken, sweet seasonal fruits, and crunchy pecans, this salad provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Experiment with your favorite fruits and toppings to make this salad your own!

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