Looking for a healthy and delicious salad option for your lunch? Look no further than the Harvest Chicken Salad! With just 120 calories in a small serving, you can indulge without guilt.
This salad is packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken breast, and pumpkin seeds. Eating this salad regularly can provide you with essential vitamins, fiber, and minerals to keep you fit and healthy.
Let's take a closer look at the benefits of this wholesome salad and how you can make it at home.
Description
Harvest Chicken Salad is a flavorful and refreshing salad that is perfect for summer days or as a quick and nutritious lunch option. It is made with fresh vegetables, grilled chicken breast, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. The salad is drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing that enhances its flavor and makes it more refreshing. The combination of spinach, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes gives the salad a good crunch and provides you with essential nutrients, while the grilled chicken breast adds a good amount of protein to your diet. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with healthy fats and fiber, which make this salad a complete meal.
Ingredients
The ingredients you will need for this salad are:
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 grilled chicken breast
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Benefits
Harvest Chicken Salad is a low-calorie, high-nutrient meal that provides you with essential nutrients to keep you healthy and active. Here is the nutritional breakdown of a small serving of Harvest Chicken Salad:
- calories: 120
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin A: 70% DV
- Vitamin C: 45% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
- Calcium: 8% DV
Preparation Time
Making Harvest Chicken Salad is quick and easy. It only takes around 10-15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and assemble the salad.
Salad Dressing
The lemon dressing is what makes this salad more refreshing and tangy. Here is how you can make it:
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk well. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.
Storage Instructions
Harvest Chicken Salad is best served fresh. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Suitable for Vegetarians
Although the salad is named 'Harvest Chicken Salad,' you can easily make it vegetarian-friendly by omitting the chicken breast. This way, you will still get all the nutrition from the vegetables and pumpkin seeds. You can also replace the chicken with some tofu or paneer for added protein.
Harvest Chicken Salad contains nuts (pumpkin seeds) and can be allergenic to people with nut allergies. If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the pumpkin seeds or replace them with some other seeds like sunflower or flaxseeds.
Possible Variations
Harvest Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that you can customize according to your liking. Here are some variations you can try:
- Add some feta cheese for a tangy flavor.
- Replace the pumpkin seeds with some croutons for added crunch.
- Use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice for a sweeter taste.
- Add some sliced avocados for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Harvest Chicken Salad can be served as a side dish or a main course. It pairs well with some bread or a light soup for a complete meal. You can also pack it in a mason jar or a lunch box for an on-the-go meal. Just make sure to keep the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
FAQ for Harvest Chicken Salad
1. How many calories are in one serving of Harvest Chicken Salad?
Each small serving of Harvest Chicken Salad contains 120 calories.
2. What ingredients are in Harvest Chicken Salad?
Harvest Chicken Salad typically includes diced chicken, mixed greens, nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), dried cranberries or other fruit, and a balsamic or vinaigrette dressing.
3. Is Harvest Chicken Salad a healthy choice?
Harvest Chicken Salad can be a healthy option depending on the ingredients and portion size. It generally includes lean protein and nutrient-rich greens and fruit. However, some varieties may have added sugars or high-fat dressings, so it's important to read nutrition labels and watch portion sizes.
4. Can Harvest Chicken Salad be customized?
Yes, many restaurants and cafes offer the option to customize your Harvest Chicken Salad by adding or omitting ingredients or selecting a different dressing. Some may also offer a larger or smaller portion size.
5. Is Harvest Chicken Salad appropriate for those with dietary restrictions?
Harvest Chicken Salad may be suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions, depending on the ingredients used. For example, it can be made gluten-free by omitting croutons or using a gluten-free dressing. Some variations may be dairy-free or paleo-friendly. It's important to check with the restaurant or read nutrition labels to determine if it meets your specific dietary needs.