Dive into a culinary delight with our Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Olive and Herb Salad—a vibrant Italian dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds! This salad is not just a meal; it's an experience, bursting with fresh flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Perfectly cooked chicken mingles with the rich sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the briny goodness of olives, all harmonized by a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering, this recipe is your ticket to a fresh and satisfying feast. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cooked chicken, sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing mixed greens thoroughly and spinning or patting dry to remove excess moisture.
- If using pre-cooked chicken, slice it into thin, uniform strips approximately 1/4 inch thick. For best flavor, use grilled or roasted chicken seasoned with Italian herbs.
- Drain sun-dried tomatoes and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess oil. Chop into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Slice black olives into thin rings, removing any pits if necessary.
- Thinly slice red onion into delicate half-moon shapes to distribute flavor evenly.
- Roughly chop fresh basil leaves, releasing their aromatic oils just before combining ingredients.
- In a large salad bowl, layer mixed greens as the base, creating a fresh green foundation.
- Arrange sliced chicken evenly over the greens to ensure each serving has a balanced protein distribution.
- Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced olives, and red onion over the chicken.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette across the salad, ensuring even coverage.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for added fragrance and flavor.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients to combine, being careful not to bruise the greens.
- Serve immediately at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Tips
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and olives for the best flavor. If possible, opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, as they add richness to the salad.
- Customize Your Greens: While mixed greens are delicious, feel free to experiment with other greens like arugula or spinach for a different flavor profile.
- Chicken Prep: For the juiciest chicken, consider grilling or roasting it with Italian herbs beforehand. This adds depth and enhances the overall taste of your salad.
- Layering Technique: When assembling your salad, layer the ingredients rather than mixing them all at once. This ensures an even distribution of flavors in every bite.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep your greens crisp, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
- Add Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts or sunflower seeds, to your salad.
- Herb Freshness: Always chop your fresh basil just before serving to maximize its aromatic oils and flavor.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your salad before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
- Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve your salad at room temperature. This allows the ingredients to shine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
