Chicken salad with apricots and green beans

Chicken salad with apricots and green beans: a vibrant and healthy feast

Cooking is an art that combines not only taste but also colors, aromas, and textures. Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for a delicious and healthy salad that perfectly blends fresh ingredients and exotic flavors: chicken salad with apricots and green beans. This recipe is ideal for quick lunches or light dinners, making it an excellent choice for both indulging your cravings and maintaining a balanced diet.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 200 g skinless and boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 200 g green beans, cleaned
- 300 g canned apricots, drained
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons peppery olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Grated Grana Padano cheese, for serving

Preparation of the salad:

1. Boil the chicken breast: In a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add the chicken strips. Boil for about 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked. Check for tenderness and juiciness, then drain and let cool.

2. Cook the green beans: In the same pot or another pot, add salted water and boil the green beans for 10-12 minutes. They should remain crunchy, so be careful not to overcook them. Once boiled, drain well and set aside.

3. Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled chicken strips, green beans, drained apricots, and chopped green onions. Gently mix to avoid crushing the apricots.

4. Prepare the dressing: In another bowl, mix the chopped fresh cilantro, lemon zest and juice, honey, grated ginger, soy sauce, peppery olive oil, and sea salt to taste. This will be the delicious base that adds a touch of flavor to your salad.

5. Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the bowl and carefully mix so that all the flavors blend perfectly. Be careful not to crush the apricots or green beans.

6. Serving: Place the salad on a platter or in individual plates and sprinkle grated Grana Padano cheese on top. This will add an intense and salty flavor, balancing the sweetness of the apricots.

Useful tips for a perfect result:

- Choose fresh ingredients: Use fresh chicken breast and crunchy green beans to achieve a tasty salad. The canned apricots should be well-drained so they don't dilute the dressing.

- Dressing variations: You can experiment with different types of oils (for example, sesame oil) or alternative sauces (for example, fish sauce) to give a personalized touch to your salad.

- Optional additions: You can also include other ingredients, such as creamy avocado or roasted nuts, to enrich the texture and flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

This salad is rich in protein from the chicken breast and vitamins from the vegetables, having a low calorie content, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. Green beans are a good source of fiber, and apricots provide antioxidants and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I replace the chicken breast with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

- Is this salad suitable for a healthy diet?
Absolutely! It is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, with a low fat content.

Serving suggestions:

This salad can be served alongside a fresh lemonade or green tea, adding a refreshing touch to your meal. It can also be enjoyed as a light main dish, perfect for warm summer days.

In conclusion, chicken salad with apricots and green beans is not only a simple and quick recipe but also an explosion of flavors and colors on the plate. I encourage you to try it and share the joy of cooking with your loved ones. Bon appétit!