Summer Chicken Recipes! Who doesn't love a refreshing and flavorful dish to enjoy during the warmer months? I've got you covered with a delicious recipe that's perfect for the season. Introducing… Summer Chicken Salad with Grilled Peaches and Arugula!
**Ingredients:**
For the chicken:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
For the peaches:
* 2 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon honey
* Salt and pepper, to taste
For the arugula:
* 4 cups fresh arugula leaves
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
For the dressing:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon honey
* Salt and pepper, to taste
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Grill the chicken:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
2. **Grill the peaches:** Brush the peach wedges with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and honey. Grill them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
3. **Prepare the arugula:** In a large bowl, combine the arugula leaves, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and chopped fresh mint leaves (if using).
4. **Make the dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Assemble the salad:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced grilled chicken, grilled peach wedges, and arugula mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use leftover chicken:** If you have leftover grilled chicken, you can skip steps 1-2 and use it in the salad.
* **Add nuts or seeds:** Chopped almonds, pecans, or pistachios can add a nice crunch to the salad. You can also use sesame seeds or poppy seeds for added texture.
* **Change up the cheese:** Feta cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use crumbled goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shaved Parmesan.
* **Try different herbs:** Basil, parsley, or cilantro can add unique flavor profiles to the salad. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!
* **Make it a wrap:** If you want to make the salad wrap-style, simply pile the ingredients onto a whole wheat tortilla or pita bread and drizzle with the dressing.
Here are some additional ingredient variations to try:
* **Spicy kick:** Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra kick.
* **Citrus twist:** Use lemon or lime juice instead of white wine vinegar for a brighter flavor profile.
* **Mediterranean flair:** Add some chopped Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, or feta cheese crumbles for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
* **Asian-style:** Replace the arugula with chopped napa cabbage and use soy sauce or rice vinegar instead of white wine vinegar. You can also add chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Summer Chicken Salad with Grilled Peaches and Arugula!
Must Tried Recipes :
