This Christmas, elevate your holiday feast with a vibrant and flavorful Christmas Chicken Salad. Bursting with festive colors and a delightful combination of textures, this salad is not only visually appealing but also a refreshing addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the oven until fully cooked, then slice into strips.
2. Make the Dressing:
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, pomegranate seeds, cucumber slices, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Add the sliced chicken on top.
4. Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
5. Garnish:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, chopped walnuts for an extra festive touch.
6. Serve:
- Plate the Christmas Chicken Salad on a beautiful serving dish.
7. Enjoy:
- Serve this colorful and flavorful salad as a light and satisfying dish during your Christmas celebration. The succulent chicken, paired with the crisp greens and sweet pomegranate seeds, creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your guests delighted. Whether as a refreshing side or a main course, this Christmas Chicken Salad is a perfect addition to your holiday menu, bringing both nutrition and festive cheer to the table.