A salad with grapefruit and chicken combines the juicy, tangy flavor of grapefruit with tender chicken and fresh greens. It’s a refreshing and nutritious dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for a grapefruit and chicken salad:
Grapefruit and Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced or cubed (grilled, baked, or poached)
- 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, or romaine)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice (from the grapefruit or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- If not already cooked, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook them by grilling, baking, or poaching until fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before slicing or cubing it.
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Prepare the Grapefruit:
- Peel the grapefruit and remove the segments. To do this, cut away the outer peel and pith, then use a knife to cut between the membranes of each segment to release the flesh.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the grapefruit juice, olive oil, honey, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss the mixed salad greens with a portion of the grapefruit dressing to coat them lightly.
- Arrange the greens on individual plates or a large serving platter.
- Top with the sliced or cubed chicken, grapefruit segments, red onion, and any optional ingredients like avocado, nuts, and cheese.
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Serve:
- Drizzle the remaining grapefruit dressing over the top of the salad or serve it on the side.
- Garnish with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Variations: You can use other proteins like grilled shrimp or tofu if you prefer.
- Add-Ins: Add other fruits like sliced strawberries or apples for extra sweetness, or include additional vegetables like cucumbers or cherry tomatoes.
- Nuts and Seeds: Swap out the pecans or walnuts for almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for different textures and flavors.
- Herb Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for a burst of flavor.
This grapefruit and chicken salad is a vibrant and satisfying meal that's both refreshing and packed with nutrients. Enjoy!
