In our family, the yearning for more salad-centric meals is often thwarted by the relentless chorus of finicky eaters who claim that salads lack the substantiality to keep them satisfied. Yet, in the realm of leafy greens and vibrant veggies, there exists a shining exception – a salad that manages to appease even the most discerning palates while quelling the post-meal hunger grumbles. This, my friends, is the epitome of a salad that doesn’t just meet expectations but exceeds them in both filling power and flavor explosion.
The beauty of this salad extends beyond its impressive ability to satisfy hunger; it lies in its customizability. A salad, by nature, is a canvas waiting for personal touches, making it the perfect ally for catering to the tastes of even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re an aficionado of crisp greens, a devotee of vibrant veggies, or someone who revels in the glory of varied textures and flavors, this salad welcomes your creative input..
So, the next time the skeptics in your family bemoan the supposed inadequacy of salads, present them with this gastronomic wonder. A salad so hearty, so flavorful, and so customizable that it not only satisfies but converts even the most ardent salad skeptics into enthusiasts. The secret? It’s all in the art of salad crafting – a skill that turns a humble bowl of greens into a celebration of taste and satisfaction.
Let’s Get Started
Let’s kick off this culinary adventure with the star of the show – the marinade that will transform your chicken into a flavor-packed sensation. In a mixing bowl, join forces with two mustards, honey, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. As you whisk these ingredients together, a symphony of flavors unfolds, promising a tantalizing experience for your taste buds.
Now, let the chicken revel in this delectable concoction. Pour half of the ambrosial marinade over the chosen poultry, ensuring each piece is generously coated. It’s a marinade so divine, it deserves a good soak – a minimum of two hours in the refrigerator is ideal, but feel free to let it bask in its flavorful glory overnight if time permits.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its scrumptious marinade but also in its adaptability. Choose your chicken adventure – be it boneless chicken breasts or the slightly more indulgent boneless chicken thighs. The cooking process is equally versatile. Picture this: sizzling in a skillet with a hint of oil, embracing the smoky embrace of the grill, or achieving a crispy perfection in the airy confines of an air fryer. The choice is yours, and the possibilities are as diverse as your culinary imagination.
As the chicken emerges, cooked to succulent perfection, it’s time to wield your culinary prowess once more. Grab a knife and slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces, each one a testament to the flavorful journey it has embarked upon. Set these savory slices aside, a prelude to the mouthwatering masterpiece that is about to unfold.
Bacon Bliss
Now, let’s dive into the sizzling world of bacon – a culinary delight that often comes with the side effect of a messy stove. Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s a time-honored tradition of cooking bacon on the stovetop, complete with the dramatic flair of grease splattering in all directions. It’s a tried-and-true method, a classic in grandma’s culinary playbook, but let me let you in on a little secret – it’s not the only way to achieve bacon perfection.
For a hassle-free, no-mess approach to bacon nirvana, consider this alternative method. Picture a serene scene: a baking sheet, draped in parchment paper, ready to cradle your bacon slices. This isn’t just a technique; it’s a revelation. Preheat your oven to a toasty 400 degrees, pop that bacon-laden sheet in, and let the magic happen for approximately fifteen minutes. Now, here’s where the artistry comes in – every oven dances to its own rhythm, so keep a vigilant eye on your bacon, ensuring it reaches that golden perfection without crossing into the realm of crispy char.
Once the bacon has reached its zenith of flavor and texture, gracefully transfer it from the parchment paper to a nest of paper towels. This step is not just about practicality; it’s about letting those paper towels absorb any lingering traces of grease, ensuring your salad is a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
And here’s the kicker for the cleanup enthusiasts – as that once-liquid gold of bacon grease cools and solidifies on the parchment paper, bid farewell to scrubbing woes. Simply gather the parchment paper, grease and all, and toss it away. Voilà! Easy cleanup that leaves you with more time to revel in the joy of a perfectly cooked bacon, ready to adorn your salad with its smoky, savory goodness. So, whether you’re a fan of the stovetop spectacle or a devotee of the parchment paper prowess, the world of bacon is your oyster, with each method offering its own unique symphony of flavors and a clean kitchen as a delightful encore.
Let’s Get Started
Now, let’s embark on the artistry of crafting the salad – a canvas of vibrant ingredients that harmonize into a symphony of flavors and textures. My personal favorite, fresh romaine lettuce, takes center stage. A generous rough chop and a refreshing rinse prepare it for its role in this culinary masterpiece.
Next up, the salad essentials that elevate it from mundane to magnificent. Shredded carrots, a non-negotiable for me in any salad, add a delightful crunch and a burst of color. Hard-boiled eggs, with their creamy texture, often steal the show, becoming a unanimous crowd-pleaser.
And then, there’s the avocado – the unsung hero of salads. Its buttery richness and versatility make it a must for this particular ensemble, seamlessly weaving its way through the medley of ingredients, enhancing every bite.
Now, here’s where the salad becomes a personal expression of taste preferences. My husband and I, avid fans of a peppery kick, usually introduce radishes to the mix, but alas, the younger members of our family don’t share our enthusiasm for this particular root vegetable. Enter creativity: my veggie-loving child opts for the crisp coolness of cucumbers and the juicy burst of tomatoes. Mushrooms, a unanimous favorite, make their appearance, adding an earthy depth to the salad.
The beauty of salad-making lies in its boundless possibilities. Anything goes, and it’s an open invitation to let your creativity shine. Picture a table adorned with bowls of unassembled but prepped ingredients, each person wielding the power to craft their personalized salad masterpiece.
And now, the pièce de résistance – the dressing. Spoon it on, letting it cascade over the vibrant medley, transforming the collection of ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful delight. As you take that first forkful, savor the symphony of textures, the marriage of flavors, and the satisfaction of having crafted a salad that’s not just a meal but a personalized culinary creation. So, whether you’re a romaine enthusiast, an avocado aficionado, or a radish rebel, embrace the salad canvas and revel in the joy of making it your own. Enjoy!
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Dressing
-1/3 cup honey
3 Tbsp whole grain mustard
2 Tbsp smooth Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp olive oil
1-2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp Garlic
Salt
At least 1.5 lbs. Chicken (boneless chicken thigh or
chicken breast)
Salad
4 slices of cooked diced bacon
Romaine lettuce
Shredded carrots
1 large avocado
2 boiled eggs
Green onion
Radishes
Directions:
- Whisk marinade ingredients together to combine. Pour half marinade into shallow dish and marinade the chicken for at least two hours. Refrigerate remaining dressing
- Heat a pan or grill over medium heat with oil. Cook chicken.
- Wipe pan over with paper towel, cook bacon in same pan
- Slice chicken into strips and prepare salad with ingredients
- Whisk 2 tbsp of water in dressing and drizzle over salad
Grateful Grits 
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