Grilled Chicken and Orange Pomegranate Salad

This delightful Grilled Chicken and Orange Pomegranate Salad combines a blend of vibrant flavors and textures that is sure to please your palate. The salad features tender grilled chicken, crispy prosciutto, and a mix of refreshing fruits and crunchy pine nuts. Juicy oranges and vibrant pomegranate seeds provide a refreshing burst of flavor in every bite, accompanied by the nutty taste of toasted pine nuts and the sharpness of Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with a delicious honey mustard dressing, this salad is both a visual feast and a culinary delight. Crunchy croutons add the finishing touch, ensuring every bite has the perfect mix of softness and crunch. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a healthy weekday lunch or a special dinner party starter. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes, this salad will be a hit for everyone at the table. Read on to discover how to bring this vibrant dish to life, alongside helpful tips and variations to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • Salad mix
  • Chicken breast
  • Prosciutto
  • Orange
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Pine nuts
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Butter
  • Rosemary
  • Croutons

For the Dressing:

  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Whole-grain mustard
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel the orange and separate it into segments, removing any white membranes. Consider substituting apples for a unique crunch if desired.
  2. Toast and Grill: On low heat, toast the croutons and prosciutto. This step can also be done in an oven, but ensure not to burn them. Prosciutto should be crispy but not burnt.
  3. Cook Chicken: In the same pan used for prosciutto, add a bit of butter before grilling the chicken. Season it first with a hint of rosemary for extra flavor.
  4. Slice Prosciutto: Once crispy, finely slice the prosciutto. This technique can be inspired by chefs who use dried prosciutto as delightful garnish pieces in dishes.
  5. Mix the Dressing: Combine all ingredients for the dressing. Adjust to taste, favoring the flavors you enjoy most, whether it be sweeter from honey or tangier from vinegar.
  6. Assemble the Salad: Toss the salad leaves with the dressing first, ensuring everything is well coated.
  7. Add Main Ingredients: Layer the orange segments, pomegranate seeds, grilled chicken, toasted pine nuts, and sliced prosciutto on top of the salad greens.
  8. Finish with Cheese: Shave Parmesan cheese over the assembled salad for a savory touch.
  9. Garnish: Sprinkle croutons and any remaining ingredients over the top of the salad to finish.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: The salad is ready to serve. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Tips

  • Substitute Ingredient Variations: Swap oranges with apples for a crunchy twist.
  • Herb Alternatives: Use thyme instead of rosemary if preferred.
  • Dressing Adjustments: Tweak the amount of vinegar to make it less or more tangy.

Nutritions

Approximate Per Serving:

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fats: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g

Variations

  • Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi or tofu.
  • Nuts: Use walnuts or almonds if pine nuts are unavailable.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Serve alongside a crusty baguette for a complete meal.
  • Complement with a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a boost of nutrients.

Best Places

  • The Salad Bowl - Known for fresh and creative salads. Location: 123 Green St, Sydney, Australia.
  • Leafy Greens Bistro - Offers organic and locally sourced ingredients. Location: 45 Green Lane, New York, USA.
  • Crisp Delights Café - Specializes in hearty salads and light bites. Location: 10 Market Sq, London, UK.
  • Vibrant Bites - Features a menu rich in wholesome and colorful food. Location: 22 Color Ave, Paris, France.
  • Nature’s Harvest - A haven for salad enthusiasts. Location: 5 Organic Rd, Toronto, Canada.
  • Salad Haven - Offers a diverse menu focused on balance and taste. Location: 64 Health St, San Francisco, USA.
  • Fresh Fields Café - Renowned for their garden-fresh salads. Location: 88 Bloom Ln, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • Green Essence - Blends exotic flavors into their innovative dishes. Location: 99 Green Way, Dublin, Ireland.
  • The Green Plate - Popular among those who appreciate sustainable meals. Location: 77 Eco Blvd, Singapore.
  • Salad Symphony - Offers a wide variety of fresh and nutritious options. Location: 55 Harmony Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.