Summer multivitamin salad with chicken

Summer Multivitamin Salad with Chicken Recipe

Who doesn't love a fresh, vitamin-packed salad to cool you down on hot summer days? Today, I invite you to prepare a summer multivitamin salad with chicken, a simple and delicious recipe perfect for a light dinner or even a revitalizing breakfast. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a rich source of nutrients that will energize you throughout the day.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 2 fresh cucumbers
- 2 pickled cucumbers
- 100 g cauliflower
- 1 head of lettuce (preferably romaine or iceberg)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 200 g chicken breast (preferably grilled)
- 1 carrot
- Celery water (to taste, or 1 small celery)
- Salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar (to taste)

Preparing the Chicken:

For an intense flavor and juicy texture, I recommend grilling the chicken breast. This cooking method will give it that much-appreciated smoky flavor. If you don't have a grill handy, you can boil it or cook it in a pan with a little olive oil.

1. Preparing the chicken breast: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. If you prefer, you can also add herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra flavor. Grill it over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and juicy. Let it rest for a few minutes, then cut it into small cubes.

Preparing the Salad:

Now that the chicken breast is ready, let's focus on the other ingredients.

2. Cutting the vegetables: Wash the fresh cucumbers and pickled cucumbers well. Slice them thinly or into cubes, depending on your preference. The cauliflower can be boiled in salted water for 3-4 minutes to soften slightly, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.

3. Preparing the salad: In a large bowl, add the lettuce torn into pieces, the fresh and pickled cucumbers, cauliflower, grated carrot, and diced celery. This is the base of your multivitamin salad, full of color and freshness.

4. Adding the greens: Finely chop the fresh dill and parsley and add them to the bowl. They will not only add a special flavor but also enrich the salad with essential nutrients.

5. Final assembly: Add the cooked chicken cubes. Finally, season with salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar to taste. Gently mix everything so that the ingredients combine perfectly without crushing them.

Serving:

The summer multivitamin salad with chicken can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator. This makes it ideal for hot summer days when you want to enjoy a light and refreshing meal.

Serving suggestion: You can add a few slices of avocado or feta cheese for extra creaminess. Also, a slice of lemon on the edge of the plate would be a nice touch, providing a fresh taste.

Tips and Tricks:

- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken breast with tofu or quinoa for a source of protein.
- Enhancing flavor: Add a few green or black olives for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Keeping freshness: If you want to prepare the salad in advance, keep the wet ingredients (like lettuce and cucumbers) separate from the dressing and other ingredients to avoid sogginess.

Nutritional Benefits:

This salad is not only delicious but also very healthy. Cucumbers are an excellent source of hydration, cauliflower and carrots are packed with antioxidants, and chicken provides lean protein essential for a balanced diet. Dill and parsley contribute significantly to vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! The salad can be customized with your favorite vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, or even corn.

2. Is the salad good to prepare in advance?
Yes, but make sure to add the dressing only before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

3. What drinks pair well with it?
A cold lemonade, a fruit cocktail, or even a dry white wine are excellent choices to accompany this salad.

I encourage you to experiment with this summer multivitamin salad with chicken recipe. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a picnic, it will surely impress with its freshness and flavor! Bon appétit!