Chicken Salad ... you can serve it warm or cold

This chicken salad can be served warm or cold, perfect for a quick healthy supper.

Ingredients 

Serves Two
2 small chicken breasts, boned, skinned and cut in half
cooking oil spray
1 large orange or red pepper, de-seeded and cut into chunks
1 little gem lettuce, leaves separated
50g/1¾oz watercress, tough stalks removed
2 ripe medium tomatoes, cut into small chunks
⅓ cucumber, sliced
1 tsp thick balsamic vinegar
½ small lemon, juice only
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Season the chicken pieces on both sides with salt and pepper. Spray a large non-stick frying pan with oil and place over a high heat. Cook the chicken pieces for three minutes on each side or until lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
2. Spray the pan with a little more oil and cook the pepper for three minutes on each side or until lightly charred and beginning to soften.
3. Arrange the lettuce leaves, watercress, tomatoes, cucumber and pepper on two plates.
4. Slice the chicken breasts and scatter on top of salad. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and squeeze the lemon juice over. Season with black pepper and serve.

Tips

If you want to serve your salad cold, let the chicken and peppers cool completely before adding to the salad. Cover and chill. Dress with the balsamic vinegar and lemon juice just before serving.
From original idea here

Little gem lettuce is a type of leafy green vegetable that can be found in many grocery stores and farmers’ markets. It has thick, crunchy leaves with a mild flavour that is slightly sweet and nutty. The variety is a hybrid of two other types of greens: butterhead lettuce and cos or romaine lettuce.

Little gem lettuce is an excellent source of vitamins A and K and essential minerals such as folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It also contains a healthy dose of dietary fibre that can help keep your digestive system running smoothly. Eating little gem lettuce regularly can help reduce inflammation by blocking some pathways responsible for releasing inflammatory compounds into the bloodstream.

For people with arthritis or other chronic pain disorders, this makes it a fantastic option. Additionally, it’s a strong source of antioxidants, which can guard your cells against damage from free radicals. Finally, its high water content keeps you hydrated and fuller for longer.

Chicken has so many plus points - its versatility, as well as the ease and speed with which it can be cooked - make it one of the most popular meats around. It has a high level of good quality protein, as well as B vitamins, iron, copper and selenium.

However if you'd rather enjoy a salad without meat/poultry have a look at this recipe for a Crunchy Mozzarella Salad, see it here

~ if the weather is nice enjoy your salad outside ~

(image from google)

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog and not all may be suitable for you. Always take account of your personal circumstances, needs, illnesses and medication you may be taking. Any allergies, or underlying health issues must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan