Chicken breast and vegetable salad

Delicious Chicken Breast and Vegetable Salad

This chicken breast and vegetable salad is a perfect choice for quick lunches or light dinners, full of freshness and nutrients. Combining simple yet flavorful ingredients, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Besides being easy to prepare, the salad is versatile, allowing you to add or swap ingredients according to your preferences. Let us guide you step by step in creating this delicious recipe!

Total time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Ingredients

- 1 chicken breast (about 300 g)
- 1 large tomato
- 1 small cucumber
- 1 small lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 100 g cheese (you can choose your favorite type)
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toasted bread (for croutons)

Preparing the salad

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any impurities. Then, cut the chicken breast into small cubes, about 2 cm.

2. Cooking the chicken: Heat the dry cooker pan over medium heat. Do not add oil, as the pan is designed to cook without fat. Add the chicken breast cubes and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and well-cooked. Make sure not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, wash the tomato and cucumber. Cut the tomato into small cubes and the cucumber into rounds or cubes, according to your preference. Open the lettuce and wash it under cold running water, then tear it into smaller pieces.

4. Preparing the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with the olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to obtain a creamy and smooth dressing.

5. Assembling the salad: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, tomato, cucumber, and lettuce. Sprinkle the cheese cut into cubes or thin slices. Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the bowl and mix gently to avoid crushing the vegetables.

6. Serving: Cut the bread into cubes and toast it in a toaster or on a pan until it becomes crispy. Serve the chicken salad alongside the crispy croutons for a pleasant contrast of textures.

Suggestions and variations

- Add more vegetables: You can include bell peppers, grated carrots, or olives for extra color and nutrients.
- Enrich with herbs: A handful of fresh basil or chopped parsley can add a fresh and aromatic taste.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken breast with tofu or cooked chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.

Nutritional benefits and calories

This salad is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken breast, which helps build and repair muscles. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, while cucumbers provide hydration. Cheese adds extra calcium and flavor. A serving of salad contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream and cheese used.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best type of chicken breast for this salad?
The best chicken breast is fresh. You can also use previously cooked chicken breast to save time.

Can I prepare the salad a day in advance?
Although the salad can be prepared a day in advance, it is recommended to add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crispy.

Delicious combinations

This salad pairs perfectly with a glass of mineral water or a cold fruit tea. Also, a slice of homemade bread or mashed potatoes can complete the meal, providing an extra energy boost.

A personal note

I fondly remember how, in my childhood, my mother would prepare this salad for family gatherings, always adding a squeeze of lemon for an even fresher taste. I have kept that tradition, and now I make it for my loved ones too. Feel free to put your personal touch on this recipe!

Enjoy your meal!