Chicken salad with croutons

Chicken and Crouton Salad - an explosion of freshness and flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Who doesn't love a fresh salad, full of nutrients and taste? The chicken and crouton salad is a perfect choice for a quick lunch or a light, refreshing, and satisfying dinner. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, proteins, and fibers, making it ideal for a balanced diet. Let's discover together the necessary steps to achieve a perfect salad!

A bit of history
Salads have a long history, consumed since ancient times, both as a main dish and as a side. Over time, they have evolved, incorporating various ingredients, from fresh vegetables to meat, cheese, and sophisticated dressings. The chicken and crouton salad is a classic combination that brings together crunchy and juicy elements, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Necessary ingredients
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 200g)
- 1 large ripe tomato
- 1 egg
- 1 small cucumber
- 1-2 green onions
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Croutons (preferably whole grain, store-bought or homemade)
- 2 slices of lightly salted cheese
- Dried oregano
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste

Step-by-step preparation of the salad

1. Boiling the egg
Start by placing an egg in cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for 15 minutes. This will ensure that the yolk is well cooked but not dry. After boiling, cool the egg immediately in cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Preparing the chicken breast
While the egg is boiling, prepare the chicken breast. Heat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Brush the chicken breast with a little olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the meat is browned and cooked through. Let it cool slightly, then cut it into cubes.

3. Preparing the vegetables
Wash the tomato, cucumber, and green onion with cold water. Cut the tomato and cucumber into small cubes, the green onion into thin rounds, and slice the garlic thinly. These fresh ingredients will add a crunchy and juicy note to the salad.

4. Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables: tomato, cucumber, green onion, and garlic. Add the chicken cubes and sliced boiled egg. Also, add the cubed cheese and croutons.

5. Preparing the dressing
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing will bring all the flavors together, giving your salad a vibrant taste.

6. Finalizing the salad
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to crush the croutons!

7. Serving
Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients. You can garnish it with a few fresh oregano leaves on top for a more attractive look.

Chef's tip
If you want to personalize your salad, you can add other ingredients like olives, avocado, or even toasted seeds for an extra crunch. Also, croutons can be made at home from stale bread, cut into cubes and toasted with a little olive oil and spices.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use previously cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! You can use leftover chicken from another meal, which will make the salad even quicker to prepare.

2. How can I make croutons at home?
Cut the bread into cubes, brush them with olive oil, add your desired spices, and bake at 180°C for 10-15 minutes or until golden.

3. What is the nutritional value of this salad?
A serving of salad contains approximately 350 calories, being rich in protein due to the chicken and egg, as well as vitamins from the vegetables. It is an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

Serving suggestions
This salad pairs perfectly with a refreshing lemonade or a fruit smoothie. Additionally, a slice of whole-grain bread alongside can complete the meal.

Possible variations
- Vegetarian salad: You can replace the chicken breast with fried tofu or boiled chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Fish salad: Add pieces of smoked salmon or tuna for a fish option.

The chicken and crouton salad is not only a healthy choice but also an excellent way to impress your friends and family with a delicious and colorful dish. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!