Are you ready to shed those winter layers and embrace the upcoming spring and summer seasons? Well, one way to get into the spirit of things is by enjoying some delicious salads! Yes, I know what you’re thinking – “Salads? Really?” But hear me out. Salads aren’t just a boring diet food. They can be packed with flavor, texture, and all sorts of tasty toppings that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and protein without feeling like you’re sacrificing anything. So let’s toss aside those heavy comfort foods and dive headfirst into a world of fresh greens, juicy fruits, and tangy dressings for the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons!
Salads are a great way to enjoy a healthy and refreshing meal. They are versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. If you are looking for a delicious salad recipe that is packed with flavor and nutrients, then you should try making a fresh salad with chicken and oranges.
This salad is a perfect blend of flavors, with juicy oranges adding a zesty twist to the chicken and greens. The best part is that this salad can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for a quick lunch or dinner.
Here’s a simple recipe for making a fresh salad with chicken and oranges that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Greens
Lettuce is a versatile ingredient that can serve as a base for a wide variety of salads, from simple green salads to more complex ones with multiple toppings and dressings. Whether you choose romaine, iceberg, arugula, or any other type of lettuce, each has its unique taste and texture that can enhance your salad’s overall flavor and texture. Lettuce is also low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal. To use lettuce in your salad, wash and chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to your other ingredients, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and protein sources, to create a tasty and satisfying meal.
Pickled Beets
Incorporating pickled beets into your salad is a delicious and nutritious way to add variety and flavor to your greens. Pickled beets have a tangy and slightly sweet taste that can complement the bitterness of some leafy greens. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and fiber. You can find them in your local grocery store. The vibrant colors of the beets will also make your salad look more appealing and appetizing.
Navel Oranges
Navel oranges have a sweet, juicy flesh with few seeds, making them a popular choice for eating fresh or using in recipes. Using navel oranges in a salad is a great way to add a burst of sweet and juicy flavor to your greens. They are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. To use navel oranges in your salad, simply peel and slice them into bite-sized pieces, or round slices and toss them with your favorite greens. The bright orange color and tangy taste of the oranges can complement the bitterness of some leafy greens and create a perfect balance of flavors. Additionally, the sweetness of the oranges can add a refreshing twist to your salad and make it a perfect dish for any time of day.
Almonds
Almonds are a type of nut that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal. To use almonds in your salad, simply chop them into small pieces or slivers and sprinkle them on top of your greens. You can also buy these already precut and ready-to-go in your local supermarket. The nutty flavor and crunchy texture of the almonds can complement the freshness of the greens and create a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures. Essentially, you can use any type of nut in your salad depending on your taste preferences.
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a type of cheese made from sheep’s milk and has a crumbly texture with a slightly salty and tangy taste. It’s a flavorful way to add tang and creaminess to your greens. To use feta cheese in your salad, simply crumble it over your greens. The creamy texture and bold flavor of the feta can complement the freshness of the greens and create a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. For any salad recipe feel free to use any cheese of your liking. I think Feta cheese is a great addition to any salad especially when you make a salad with various toppings.
Protein
Chicken thighs are a flavorful and versatile protein that can add depth and texture to a salad. Unlike chicken breast, thighs have more fat, which keeps them moist and tender when cooked, making them perfect for grilling, roasting, sautéing, and air frying. When preparing a salad with chicken thighs, it’s essential to cook them until they are fully cooked through to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. Once cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before cutting them into bite-size pieces to add to your salad. You can also marinate them with your favorite seasoning or sauce to infuse more flavor prior to cooking them. Use the ingredients in my recipe below to cook your chicken with lots of flavors. Chicken thighs pair well with a variety of greens, such as romaine, arugula, or spinach, and add substance to any salad. They are a healthy and delicious way to add protein to your diet while enjoying a satisfying meal.
I love having cooked chicken in my fridge every week because it provides a convenient and healthy source of protein that can be used in a variety of dishes throughout the week. In this recipe, you will see that I cooked a whole pack of chicken thighs because it can be added to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. It can save time on meal preparation, as you won’t have to spend time cooking it from scratch every time you need it. Cooked chicken can be easily stored in the fridge for up to four days, making it a convenient option for busy bees like you and me who want to ensure that they have pretty healthy meals ready to go.
Zesty Orange Dijon Vinaigrette
Use the ingredients below in my recipe to make this easy and quick zesty orange dressing. It is packed with so much citrus flavor and it’s a great addition to this salad. Feel free to add more or less to your dressing according to your taste buds. Also, increase the measurements for the vinaigrette if you’re making more than 1 serving of this salad.
Tips for Making the Perfect Salad:
- Use fresh ingredients: When making a salad, it’s essential to use fresh ingredients to ensure that you get the best flavor and nutritional value.
- Don’t over-dress the salad: Using just enough dressing to coat the salad is important, but not so much that it becomes soggy.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to add or remove ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can also swap out the chicken for another protein like shrimp or tofu.
A fresh salad with chicken and oranges is a delicious and healthy meal that can be made in just a few simple steps. With its blend of flavors and nutrients, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try!
Have fun with this recipe. Feel free to share what you have done in the comments below or share a picture of you enjoying this delicious meal!
Bom apetite! Enjoy your meal!
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Zesty Orange & Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
- 1 pack of boneless and skinless chicken thighs 3 lbs
- 2 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp of sea salt
- 1 tsp of ground black pepper
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1 tsp of red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tbsp of parsley
- ¼ cup of garlic buffalo wing sauce
Salad
- 2 cups lettuce of your choosing
- pickled beets
- 1 whole orange sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup onions sliced
Zesty Orange Dijon Dressing
- 2 oz freshly squuezed orange
- 1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olivia Oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
Instructions
Instructions for Chicken Thighs
- Place boneless chicken thighs in a mixing bowl.
- Season with EVOO, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, parsley and buffalo wing sauce.
- Mix well making sure to coat every piece of chicken with this seasoning.
- Place in a heat proof baking dish.
- Line baking dish with parchment paper, if desired, for easy clean up.
- Bake in an Airfryer for 25 minutes on 425℉. Make sure to flip chicken half way through for an evn golden coating all around.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake for the same amount of time and temperature in your regular oven.
- Remove chicken from oven and let it sit a few minutes to cool down, then slice into strips or bite size pieces.
Instructions for Viniagrette
- Combine these ingredients in a small jar, place lid on it and mix well.
- Pour over salad. Serve immediately.
Instructions for Salad
- While chicken is cooking, prepare the salad and dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pickled beets, orange slices, sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese and onions.
- In a small jar combine all ingredients for the dressing. Shake it up and leave to the side.
- Add the sliced chicken to the salad, and drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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