This easy chicken salad recipe is really quick to make and healthy too. It is also very versatile as you can change the marinade using the salad for a side dish or as a main meal and add different things to it like rice or pasta.
This recipe is inspired by this picture. It looked so tasty but I didn’t have the recipe so I decided to create one to fit it. I wanted a lighter marinade/sauce than the one they look to have used here so I created my own simple one. I also wanted to make sure it was suitable if you are eating the Mediterranean way of eating. I think tofu would make a great alternative for a vegetarian dish but I wanted to make it with chicken.
It’s a similar salad similar to others I have made before but with a few changes. This is a light easy to make salad recipe.
As many of you know already my favourite way of cooking is in the Halogen oven. So this chicken recipe is cooked in my halogen which is really easy to do. However, there is no reason why you couldn’t cook it in your oven or simply grill or even stirfry on the hob if you find that easier. Whatever works for you.
Quick & Easy Healthy Chicken & Orange Salad
Quick & Easy Healthy Chicken & Orange Salad
Ingredients
The Salad
- 1 to 2 per person Mini Chicken fillets or split one in half lengthwise
- 1 An orange
- 3 to 4 per person Baby Tomatoes
- Fresh Baby Spinach a handful of spinach per person
Marinade
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Juice from your orange
- Garlic finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
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a. If you are using a halogen oven. Pop your chicken into an oiled tin foil piece and wrap it so it doesn't spit, Pop it on to a heat of 175C (350F) for about 20-25 minutes. About 15-20 minutes open the rap slightly.
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b. If you re using an oven. Simply coat with cooking oil or spray oil both sides and pop your chicken into a baking dish and bake it for about 30-35 minutes at 200C (400F).
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c. If you decide to Grill your chicken. Coat your chicken breasts with oil and pop into the grill. Grill a few minutes on each side on a high heat until your chicken is cooked. Check it is piping hot.
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All methods Check your chicken is done by making sure your juices are clear and not pink.
Prepare the Salad & Carbs
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Cook your rice, pasta or potatoes while the chicken is cooking.
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While you are waiting for your chicken to cook prepare the rest of your salad
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Cut the tomatoes in half
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Peel and slice your orange keeping some back for your marinade.
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wash and dry your baby spinach
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place all attractively onto plates or bowls
Prepare your Marinade
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In a jug or bowl simply add your extra virgin olive oil, pepper, garlic, salt and orange and blend together thoroughly.
Recipe Notes
You only need enough to drizzle over the salad so no more than a couple of dessert spoons each. It depends on how much olive oil you like on your salad.
I like to keep it very simple so I often simply add extra virgin olive oil with a sprinkling of pepper. Or I add lemon but being as here
I used oranges I would mix in some juice from the oranges with it and maybe a touch of garlic if the mood takes me. Try mixing it up to see what you like best. You really can't go wrong.
4 Ways To Use Your Garlic in Your Salad
I have to confess I do the garlic in different ways which work well for me. Sometimes I don’t want to use fresh garlic, so I have a substitute garlic and salt shaker. I use this for speed for lunch menus or if I run out of fresh or frozen garlic. Sometimes I just throw it in with the chicken if I am using the hob rather than the Halogen. And sometimes I just don’t use it.
If you Want to Add Carbs For a More Rounded Meal
You can serve this salad with Rice, Quinoa or Pasta depending on what you like best. Or if you prefer the more traditional baby potatoes. Potatoes taste lovely with extra virgin olive oil drizzled over them.
