Creamy Chicken Fillet with Salad

This delightful dish brings together the rich flavors of seasoned chicken fillets and the refreshing taste of a creamy salad. It's a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making it an excellent meal for both lunch and dinner. The juicy chicken is seasoned with a flavorful spice blend, adding a savory depth to its taste. Complementing the chicken is a fresh salad, bursting with the crunch of asparagus and cucumbers. A creamy dressing, accented with lemon zest, ties the salad ingredients together beautifully. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body with its wholesome ingredients. It's quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend meal. With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, it's a meal that promises to impress your family and friends. Dive into this recipe and experience a wonderful blend of creamy and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 chicken fillets
• 4 teaspoons of Santa Maria Chicken and Steak Spice Mix
• 2 tablespoons of butter or oil for frying

Creamy Salad

• 250g fresh asparagus, chopped into small pieces
• ½ cucumber, sliced into half-moons
• 65g mixed salad leaves
• 2 large sprigs of parsley
• 200g green peas
• 100g roasted pumpkin seeds
• 100ml heavy cream
• Zest of 1 lemon, grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Santa Maria Tellicherry black pepper

Preparation Time

30 minutes (including both preparation and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken fillets into even strips and coat them thoroughly with the spice mix. This imparts a robust flavor to the meat, creating a delicious base for the dish.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken slices and cook them until golden brown and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes on each side. Place the cooked chicken aside, keeping it warm.
3. Steam the Asparagus: In a separate pot, steam the asparagus pieces for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed asparagus, cucumber slices, salad leaves, parsley, green peas, and pumpkin seeds. Each ingredient adds a unique crunch and freshness to the salad.
5. Combine the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a creamy, tangy dressing. Whisk together until well combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
6. Toss the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the prepared salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables and seeds evenly. The dressing should accentuate rather than overpower the natural flavors of the vegetables.
7. Season the Salad: Add freshly ground Tellicherry black pepper to the salad for an extra kick of spice. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
8. Serve the Meal: Arrange the cooked chicken fillets on a serving platter and accompany them with the creamy salad. The contrasting flavors and textures make this dish visually appealing and delightful in every bite.
9. Enjoy Your Meal: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors of the salad and the juicy, flavorful chicken. This meal pairs excellently with a light white wine or iced tea.

Tips

• Substitutions: For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter cream option.
• Additions: Consider adding cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of color and flavor to the salad.
• Cooking Chicken: Ensure not to overcook the chicken fillets to maintain their juiciness.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbs: 35g

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or halloumi for a vegetarian twist.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure the spice mix and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnishes: Top the salad with fresh dill or basil for an herby note.
• Side Dish: Serve with roasted potatoes or a light quinoa salad for a full meal.

Best Places

1. The Salad Kitchen - Known for its innovative salad combinations. Location: 123 Green Street, New York, USA.
2. Bistro Delight - A cozy spot offering exquisite chicken dishes. Location: 45 Rue Cler, Paris, France.
3. Fresh Table - Emphasizes fresh and sustainable ingredients. Location: 89 Orchard Road, Singapore.
4. Urban Eats - Trendy cafe with a focus on organic ingredients. Location: 221 Queen Street, Toronto, Canada.
5. The Healthy Bite - Offers a wide variety of healthy meals. Location: 678 George Street, Sydney, Australia.
6. Gourmet Greens - Specializes in gourmet salads. Location: 32 Baker Street, London, UK.
7. Cuisine Crafters - Renowned for creative fusion dishes. Location: 54 Via Roma, Milan, Italy.
8. Harvest Bar - Combines rustic ambiance with farm-to-table dining. Location: 102 Main Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
9. Eco Bites - Known for eco-friendly practices and delicious meals. Location: 7 Green Lane, Auckland, New Zealand.
10. Taste Haven - Provides unique flavor experiences. Location: 88 Ocean Avenue, Los Angeles, USA.