Chicken Salad with Croutons and Broccoli

Chicken Salad with Croutons and Broccoli – An Explosion of Flavors and Textures

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 1-2 hours
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1-2 hours and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious and nutritious salad: Chicken Salad with Croutons and Broccoli. This recipe is perfect for hot summer days but can be enjoyed any time of the year. The flavor of the marinated chicken, crispy and juicy, perfectly combines with the crunchy texture of the croutons and broccoli, while the simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds a burst of flavor.

The history of salads is fascinating, as they have been prepared for thousands of years. Most of us think of salads as light meals; however, they have evolved over time into sophisticated combinations of ingredients. The salad we will prepare today is not only packed with nutrients but also extremely versatile.

Ingredients needed:

For the salad:
- 1-2 pieces of chicken breast (approximately 300-400g)
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 2 small red onions
- 200-250g of croutons
- 200g of green salad (preferably mixed)
- 4-5 cherry tomatoes
- 150g of broccoli
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper (or yellow)
- 150g of feta cheese

For the marinade:
- 1 onion
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 glass of red wine
- Thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons of whole grain mustard

For the dressing:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar (or another preferred type of vinegar)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Marinade:
In a bowl, add finely chopped onion, crushed garlic cloves, red wine, thyme, salt, pepper, and whole grain mustard. Mix the ingredients well to form a homogeneous marinade. This mixture will not only enrich the flavor of the chicken but also give it exceptional tenderness.

2. Marinating the Chicken:
Unfold the chicken breast and place it in an airtight container, pouring the marinade over it. Cover the container and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. If you have time, letting the chicken marinate longer will enhance the flavor and make the meat even more tender.

3. Preparing the Croutons:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the croutons. Cut the bread into small cubes and place them on a baking tray. Drizzle with a little olive oil and, if desired, sprinkle a pinch of salt and herbs (such as oregano or basil) for extra flavor. Bake the croutons in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until they become golden and crispy.

4. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the grill or grill pan. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it drain a little. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Make sure not to overcook it, or it will become dry. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.

5. Preparing the Broccoli:
In a pot of boiling water, add the broccoli cut into florets and boil for 5 minutes. Once softened, drain it and, to retain its vibrant color, quickly cool it under cold running water. In a pan, melt a little butter and add the boiled broccoli, stirring gently for 2-3 minutes. This step will give it a delicious flavor and a crunchy texture.

6. Assembling the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the green salad, chopped green onions, sliced red onions, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red and green peppers, croutons, and broccoli florets. Then, add the sliced chicken and diced feta cheese.

7. Preparing the Dressing:
For the dressing, mix the olive oil with the balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Season to taste. This simple dressing will add a fresh note to the salad and balance the flavors of the ingredients.

8. Serving:
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients. It can be served immediately or, if you prefer, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavors. A personal suggestion would be to add some toasted pumpkin seeds or nuts for extra texture and nutrients.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This salad is not only tasty but also healthy! Each serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of dressing used and the type of cheese. It is rich in protein from the chicken and cheese, micronutrients from the vegetables, and fiber from the salad. Broccoli is a superfood, packed with vitamins C and K, which help maintain a healthy immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, this recipe is easily adaptable. You can use turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- What other dressings can I use?
You can experiment with yogurt-based dressings, mayonnaise-based sauces, or even Asian dressings with soy sauce.
- Can I prepare the salad a day in advance?
Yes, but I recommend adding the dressing just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.

Variations:
- Add seasonal fruits, such as caramelized apples or pears, to provide a touch of sweetness.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to change the flavor of the salad.
- Replace croutons with chia seeds or quinoa for a gluten-free option.

This chicken salad with croutons and broccoli is more than just a simple meal – it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Cooking is an art, and each recipe is an opportunity to experiment and express your creativity. So let’s enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen together! Enjoy your meal!