This Baked Nectarine Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender baked chicken, sweet nectarines, and a zesty vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner, packed with protein and fresh flavors!
📋 Ingredients:
For the Baked Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🛢️
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe nectarines, sliced 🍑
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or your favorite lettuce mix) 🥗
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese 🧀
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans 🥜
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
- Fresh basil or mint leaves (optional) 🌿
For the Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil 🛢️
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 🍇
- 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
📝 Instructions:
1. Bake the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- Make the vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- Prepare the greens:
- In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens with a little of the vinaigrette to lightly coat the leaves.
- Add the toppings:
- Top the greens with sliced nectarines, crumbled feta or goat cheese, sliced almonds or pecans, red onion, and fresh basil or mint leaves if using.
- Add the chicken:
- Slice the baked chicken and place it on top of the salad.
4. Drizzle and Serve:
- Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette:
- Drizzle the rest of the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve the Baked Nectarine Chicken Salad immediately and enjoy the balance of sweet nectarines, savory chicken, and tangy vinaigrette.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 30 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 45 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving
This Baked Nectarine Chicken Salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. The juicy nectarines pair beautifully with the savory chicken, creamy cheese, and crunchy almonds, all tied together with a sweet and tangy vinaigrette! 🍑🍗🥗