Lapu Salad with Chicken and Crispy Onions

This delightful salad is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and the irresistible crunch of roasted onions. It's perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish at dinner. The combination of arugula and beet greens offers a fresh, peppery taste that is complemented by the mild crispness of cucumbers and zucchini. The addition of capers and balsamic dressing adds a tangy depth of flavor, while the optional fava beans boost the protein content. The dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to substitute ingredients based on availability or preference. Quick to prepare, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you're serving it to guests or enjoying it solo, it promises to deliver a delightful culinary experience. Pair it with a crusty piece of bread and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal. Ideal for a sunny patio brunch or a simple dinner at home.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 boneless chicken thigh
• 1 small cucumber
• 1 green tomato
• 50 g mixed greens (arugula, beet greens, etc.)
• 6 thin slices of zucchini
• Handful of peeled fava beans (optional)
• 1 tbsp roasted onions
• 1/2 tsp capers

Sauces and Seasonings:

• Olive oil
• Balsamic dressing
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

• Total: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken thigh into small pieces. Place them in a pan and cook over medium heat until they are fully cooked through. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to your liking.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Slice the green tomato into half-slices. Cut the zucchini slices into similarly-sized pieces.

3. Prepare the Greens: Tear the mixed greens into bite-sized pieces. Ensure they are clean and dry before starting the salad assembly.

4. Assembly: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sliced cucumber, green tomato, zucchini pieces, and mixed greens.

5. Optional Ingredient: If using, add the peeled fava beans to the salad for an extra burst of protein.

6. Flavor Addition: Add the capers to the salad, which will enhance the dish with their unique tangy taste.

7. Dress the Salad: Drizzle olive oil generously over the salad. Follow with a drizzle of balsamic dressing to add depth and flavor to the fresh ingredients.

8. Seasoning: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently to ensure an even coating of the dressing.

9. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the roasted onions on top of the salad. They add a delightful crunch that complements the other textures in the dish.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the ingredients are fresh and vibrant. Enjoy your delicious salad with a side of crusty bread or your favorite beverage.

Tips

• Substitution: If chicken thighs are not available, you can use chicken breast or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Bean Variation: Chickpeas can be used instead of fava beans.
• Onion Crunch: To add more crunch, try including toasted nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
• Protein: 22g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 16g

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu to make it vegetarian.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use avocado in place of chicken and skip the roasted onions or ensure they're vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure balsamic dressing and any additional toppings do not contain gluten.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
• Serve with a side of crusty whole-grain bread.
• Top with shaved parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.

Best Places

1. Chez Panisse - Iconic for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative salads. Location: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA, USA.

2. Le Bernardin - Renowned seafood restaurant with exquisite salads. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, NY, USA.

3. Noma - Known for Nordic cuisine and inventive vegetable-based dishes. Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 København, Denmark.

4. Osteria Francescana - Italy's celebrated restaurant with a flair for creative salads. Location: Via Stella, 22, 41121 Modena MO, Italy.

5. El Celler de Can Roca - Esteemed for its innovative Catalan dishes and artistic salads. Location: Calle de Can Sunyer, 48, 17007 Girona, Spain.

6. The French Laundry - Offers American cuisine with French influences and upscale presentations. Location: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA, USA.

7. Attica - Australian restaurant celebrated for its adventurous food experiences. Location: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185, Australia.

8. Mugaritz - Experimental dining with fresh and creative dishes, including unique salads. Location: Aldura Aldea, 20, 20100 Errenteria, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

9. The Ledbury - Known for its modern British dishes and innovative use of fresh ingredients. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ, UK.

10. Geranium - Offers an elevated dining experience with exquisite plant-based dishes. Location: Per Henrik Lings Allé 4, 8., 2100 København, Denmark.