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A fabulous power salad full of lean protein and delicious fresh produce. The sweet-tart dressing is a perfect finishing touch!
How about a vibrantly fresh, lovely hued salad to chase away the winter blahs?
We experienced the tail end of winter storm Jonas this past weekend and that brought some fun and excitement to a normally boring month. We hunkered in, ventured out (not in the car but by foot) and enjoyed all the hubbub and excitement it generated. But here in NC, old Jonas is pretty much history. There are a few snow piles left here and there, but the last two days of warm sunshine have relegated the "storm of the century" to a distant memory here in NC.
I don't know about you, but I feel a little bipolar this time of year, when it comes to food. When blustery wintery winds are blowing or white fluffy snowflakes are blanketing the landscape, I start craving soups, stews, chilis, biscuits and all manner of baked goods. At the same time gray skies and barren branches have me hungering for everything fresh and green, as warm sunny days and fresh herbs on the deck seem like a distant memory. Oh, and the extra pounds from fun holiday indulging? They make me quite certain that the words "fresh" and "green" need to be a priority from here on out to spring!
So today, I'm offering a wonderful Arugula Chicken Salad that won't make you feel the slightest bit deprived. In fact, if you close your eyes for a minute while enjoying this salad, you might just think you're smack dab in the middle of summer! The salad features fresh strawberries, sweet mango and super tender sliced chicken breast.
I don't generally purchase strawberries in the off season, but lately I've found some really pretty ones. If I see a carton that has uniform, deep red berries with a bit of a shine, I snatch them up. That's what to look for in the off season. They'll be nice and red all the way through and decently sweet as well.
This Arugula Chicken Salad features my Juicy Tender Baked Chicken Breasts. They're lean, with lots of great protein to keep you satisfied for hours, and they don't take long to get on the table. And there's a step-by-step tutorial to make it easy!
The dressing? I'm glad you asked, as that's my favorite part. It's just a few simple ingredients: fresh lime juice, honey and a splash of oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and you're done. It's bright, fresh, sweet and tart all rolled together, and gives all the other ingredients a nice boost of flavor.
Pick up some roasted, salted sunflower seeds while you're shopping for the other ingredients. I buy a big bag and keep them in the freezer. They make a nice little snack, as well as adding crunch and pizzaz to soups, salads, etc.
Got the winter blahs? Want to forget all about them? You know what to do, right? Bon Appetit!
- For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 medium clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspon freshly ground black pepper
- For the salad:
- 8 cups baby arugula
- 4 Tender Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts
- 12 medium strawberries quartered
- 1 medium mango peeled, cored and cut in thin wedges
- 1 medium avocado peeled, cored and cut in quarters and sliced
- 1 cup frozen edamamae thawed
- ½ cup salted toasted sunflower seeds
-
For the dressing, combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake vigorously. Check and make sure all the honey is incorporated (it likes to stick to the bottom).
-
For the salad, divide arugula between four dinner size plates or large shallow bowls. Arrange chicken in the center. Scatter with strawberries, mango and avocado. Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the top. Serve with dressing.
Kristi P says
Another great salad recipe! It was my first time using an ataulfo mango, which I really enjoyed. I also especially appreciate the dressings you come up with - they are easy to put together and add a lot to the dish.
My husband, who agrees that we need to eat healthier but wasn't entirely sure about "dinner salads," has decided maybe this won't be so hard after all.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Kristi! I'm so happy both you and your husband enjoyed this salad!
S says
I am pregnant (1st trimester) right now and not much has sounded appetizing, but for some reason this sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Yay! I remember that feeling well! Hope you enjoy it and congratulations on your pregnancy!
Terry says
Hubby and I just finished this for our supper. Great salad! I love the method of cooking the chicken. I have made it many times now, with different spices. Jerk seasoning is a favourite. Always moist and done perfectly. We love your salads. Thanks Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Terry, so happy you enjoyed this salad. I love your variations too!
Sandra says
Oh the holiday pounds!!! Lovely salad!
Tracey Parmentier says
I prepared this salad last night and not only did it look good but it was delicious. It isn't cold where I live at the moment in Sydney, Australia so I'm not fighting the winter blues. This salad is perfect all year round.
Chris Scheuer says
You're very welcome Victoria! Scott's experimenting this spring with growing arugula in the garden, we love it so much!
Susan says
I'm so agree with Monique. Your blouse caught my eyes first 😉 Love it! The salad sounds so delicious too. I have at least 3 extra pounds to remove that somehow found their way onto my body since the holidays so, yes, salads it is at least every other day here. Great recipe, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Ha ha, thanks Susan! It's a mystery how those little pounds show up in the most annoying places, isn't it?
Abbe @ This is How I Cook says
This is a perfect salad to beat the winter doldrums. Strawberries are starting to come into season and I can't wait to try this!
Chris Scheuer says
I know Abbe! I get giddy when I start to see spring things coming out in the stores; even if it's still a ways until real spring hits!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I'm a real salad girl and yours is one I know I would definitely enjoy.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Karen! They're always so healthy and you can't help feeling that you're giving your body things it really needs!
Muna Kenny says
Chris, I think my mom will love you, because I started to have a soft corner for salads now 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Ha ha Muna! I love it! Mom's always like good "influencers" for their kids, no matter how old we are, right?
Liz says
I love all the goodies you've put in this salad! I need to get Bill onboard with entree salads, but I have a feeling he'd be OK with the chicken and the mealtless salad on the side. Baby steps 🙂
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I love how much protein you packed into this salad, I'm definitely going to look for those chicken breasts, thanks Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
It does have quite a bit, doesn't it Sue?
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Delicious! The flavor combination must be fantastic - strawberries and mango - wow! Love that chicken too, Glad you survived Jonas too - I think we will have snow piles until spring! Sparing and pinning 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Tricia! When I first served this to Scott, his face brightened and he said, "This is delicious!"
TheKitchenLioness says
Chris & Scott: wonderful photography and a fabulous recipe to chase away those winter blahs...nothing wrong with being bipolar with respect to your food cravings at this time of year. I do feel the same - comfort food on one hand and fresh veggies and fruits on the other hand!
Great taste combination in your salad recipe, love all those components together! What a treat of a salad that is at this tim eof year!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Andrea! Yes, there's no reason we can't enjoy comfort foods and salads together during these colder months! Especially if you live in an area that has great access to veggies and fruits from warmer climates!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Love this salad, Chris. I don't eat enough salads this time of year. I seem to rely on soup to provide all the vegetables 😉 Loving that blouse, too!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Jennifer!
Adina says
I can say the same as Angie above: I want this for lunch! But I have to wait for strawberries, I haven't seen any yet.
Chris Scheuer says
It's funny, but this has been a pretty good "off season" for strawberries here in North Carolina. I guess it all depends on the suppliers.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I want this for the lunch! Great flavour, Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
Ha ha Angie! Come on over for lunch!
Mila says
Chris, I know what you mean by feeling "bipolar" this time of year. It is some sort of automatic body response to cold weather. I have been relying on yummy salads this winter to break up the calorie-heavy comfort foods. I am going to make this salad soon, thanks for sharing!
Chris Scheuer says
You're absolutely welcome Mila! It is funny how our body responds to the temperature fluctuations, isn't it?
Monique says
Love the salad..blouse..necklace and polish..Scott..fantastic:) Chris too!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Monique! We've been having fun lately, trying new photo "looks".