Green salad with chicken

Green salad with chicken - an explosion of freshness and flavor

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Looking for a quick and healthy recipe? The green salad with chicken is the perfect choice! This delicious combination blends the protein from chicken breast with the freshness of vegetables, providing you with a light and nutrient-rich meal. The history of salads is fascinating, as these dishes have been consumed since ancient times as a way to add vitality and freshness to the diet. Now, let's get to work!

Ingredients:
- 300 g chicken breast
- 1 head of green lettuce (preferably romaine or iceberg)
- 1 large carrot
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: natural yogurt for serving

Preparing the salad:

1. Boiling the chicken: Start by placing the chicken breast in a pot of water. Add a little salt to enhance the flavor of the meat. Boil it over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until fully cooked. Make sure not to overboil it, or it will become dry.

2. Preparing the salad: Meanwhile, wash the green lettuce thoroughly under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Once dried, chop it into larger pieces. Romaine lettuce has a crunchy texture, while iceberg adds a refreshing touch.

3. Grating the carrot: Peel the carrot and grate it. This will add not only color but also a sweet taste and an interesting texture to your salad.

4. Sautéing the chicken: After the chicken is boiled, remove it from the water and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into strips or cubes. Heat a pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add the chicken, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges.

5. Assembling the salad: In a large bowl, combine the green lettuce, grated carrot, and sautéed chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure every ingredient is coated with the seasonings.

6. Serving: You can serve this salad as is or add a spoonful of natural yogurt on top for extra creaminess. The yogurt adds not only a pleasant taste but also a touch of freshness.

Practical tips:
- If you want to enrich the salad, you can add other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives. These will add extra color and flavors.
- Instead of yogurt, you can opt for a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard for a more complex taste.
- This salad can be stored in the fridge, but it is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to savor the freshness of the ingredients.

Nutritional benefits:
The green salad with chicken is a balanced meal, rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building muscle mass and maintaining health. The carrot provides a significant amount of beta-carotene, essential for eye and skin health. Green lettuce contains fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full, while being very low in calories.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey is a wonderful alternative, just as tasty and healthy.
- How can I make the salad more filling? You can add avocado or cooked legumes, such as chickpeas or beans, to make it more nutritious.
- What drinks go well with this salad? A fresh lemonade or green tea can perfectly complement the meal, adding an extra refreshing touch.

In conclusion, the green salad with chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and personalize your recipe. Enjoy your meal!