Introduction:
Being born into a family in which food was the centrepiece of every meal meant early on that there’s something magical about ingredients that combine to produce something special. So, for today I’m sharing with you a recipe that is very dear to my heart — Cherry Tomato and Cilantro Chicken Avocado Salad. The dish is the perfect combination of flavours and textures that makes it a light and healthy meal any time of the day.
Recipe Overview:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Tools: Cutting board, knife, bowl, mixer.
- Can make ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and put the salad together right before you serve it.
- Refrigeration: You can consume this salad as it is but store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 24 hours.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast: The pièce de résistance, the chicken breast offers protein and rich flavor. If you are vegetarian, you can replace it with grilled shrimp or tofu.
- Avocado: Gooey and creamy, the avocado gives the salad a decent amount of good fats and velvety texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and acidic, cherry tomatoes add colour and flavor to the salad.
- Cilantro: This herb adds a bright zing to the salad that adds to the taste. If you’re allergic to cilantro, substitute parsley or basil.
- Low cost source: Check out seasonal sales on chicken breast and cherry tomatoes at your farmer’s market or grocery store. Also, buying in bulk and freezing can save you money over time.
Recipe Tips & Techniques:
- Begin by grilling or pan-frying the chicken breast until opaque and juicy.
- Slice avocado and cherry tomatoes into small pieces to consume.
- All ingredients are mixed in a bowl, cilantro and some lemon juice added for extra spiciness.
- Be careful not to over cook the chicken because it will turn dry and tough.
- Tip: Add some toasted nuts or seeds to the salad before serving to make it extra crunchy.
Serving & Presentation:
Plate the salad on a bed of greens or quinoa for a complete meal. Add some extra cilantro and balsamic glaze for elegance. Serve this dish with a dry white wine or fruity iced tea and you’ll have a good time.
Cultural Context:
Although this salad does not possess a cultural heritage, it reflects the spirit of new and fresh tastes that is praised in many cultures. Adjust the ingredients as per your tastes and dietary needs.
Nutrition & Health:
Chicken Avocado Salad — This Chicken Avocado Salad is very tasty and nutrient-rich. Avocados are a source of healthy fats and chicken contains plenty of lean protein to keep you full. The cherry tomatoes and the cilantro add in some vitamins and antioxidants to make this a nutritious lunch.
Troubleshooting:
- Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this salad?
Yes, you definitely can use your leftover cooked chicken in this recipe. Just shred or cut it into smaller pieces before tossing it into the salad. - Can I make this salad more full?
You can top this salad with cooked quinoa or couscous for protein and fiber.
Conclusion:
Here’s to this Chicken Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cilantro bringing a touch of flavor and freshness to your table. Try different ingredients and customize this recipe. Remember to share with me your creations on social media and be sure to check back for more great recipes from Seasoned Whispers. Happy cooking!