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Fresh Stretches Chicken Breast Summer Salad

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A light, refreshing summer salad featuring tender pan-seared chicken breast served over crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens with a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for quick, healthy meals that celebrate the freshness of summer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz/340 g), patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 large cucumber, sliced thinly
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mixed baby greens or arugula
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar or honey until emulsified. Set aside.
  3. Slice the cucumber thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Toss these with baby greens and parsley in a large salad bowl. If using feta, crumble it over the top.
  4. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Then slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  6. Toss the salad with half of the dressing to coat lightly. Arrange chicken slices on top and drizzle remaining dressing over the chicken.
  7. Optionally, give the salad one gentle toss or serve with chicken fanned on top. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure proper searing. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. If chicken browns too fast, lower heat and cover loosely with foil to finish cooking. For dairy-free option, omit feta or substitute with avocado slices. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Leftover chicken can be used cold or gently reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken breast salad, summer salad, light meals, healthy salad, quick chicken recipe, fresh summer salad, pan-seared chicken, lemon dressing

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/fresh-stretches-chicken-breast-summer-salad-recipe-for-easy-light-meals/