Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The combination of grilled chicken, fresh avocado dressing, and mixed salad greens creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional chicken salad, incorporating the creamy texture of California avocados and the zesty flavor of cilantro dressing. It is a popular dish in California, where avocados are grown abundantly and used in a variety of culinary creations.

Ingredients

2.25 cups olive or avocado oil
0.75 cup dijon mustard
0.5 cup white wine vinegar
0.25 cup fresh lime juice
0.25 cup chopped cilantro
0.25 tsp dried oregano leaves
0.5 tsp ground red pepper
6 (8 oz) whole boneless chicken breasts, split in half
3 california avocados, seeded and peeled
2 tsp sugar
1.5 gallons mixed salad greens, torn into bite-size pieces

How to prepare

Blend together oil, mustard, vinegar, lime juice, cilantro, oregano, and pepper.
Combine 1.5 cups of the mustard mixture with the chicken.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
In a blender or food processor, blend avocados with the remaining mustard mixture and sugar until smooth. Cover and chill until serving time.
Remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill it 6 inches from the heat source over medium-high heat, brushing it with the marinade often, until the chicken is done. Keep it warm.
To serve, arrange about 2 cups of salad greens on individual salad plates.
Slice one chicken breast half and arrange it on the greens.
Top with 2 oz (57 g) of avocado dressing.
Garnish if desired and serve immediately.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Substitute the cilantro dressing with a creamy ranch or balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Brush the chicken with the marinade while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.

- Use ripe California avocados for the dressing to ensure a creamy and smooth texture.

- Garnish the salad with fresh herbs or sliced avocado for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing as a main course for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor and charred texture to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the salad. Make sure to brush the chicken with the marinade while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute avocado oil with olive oil or vegetable oil.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar in the avocado dressing.

- Replace white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the avocado dressing ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated until ready to grill and serve. The salad greens can also be washed and torn in advance for easy assembly.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad greens on a large platter and top with sliced grilled chicken and avocado dressing. Garnish with fresh herbs, sliced avocado, or toasted nuts for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. The light and refreshing flavors of the salad complement the citrusy notes of the wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing contains approximately 30 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and folate from the avocado and mixed salad greens.

Alergens

This recipe contains mustard and avocado, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a combination of grilled chicken, creamy avocado dressing, and mixed salad greens, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who lived in California. Maria was an amazing cook and always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve.

That day, Maria invited me over for lunch and served me this incredible salad. The sizzling chicken paired with the creamy avocado cilantro dressing was a match made in heaven. I couldn't stop raving about it and begged Maria to share the recipe with me.

Maria smiled and told me that she had learned this recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down to her. She explained that the key to the dish was using fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the California avocados.

I watched closely as Maria prepared the dish, taking mental notes of each step. She marinated the chicken in a blend of spices and lime juice before grilling it to perfection. Meanwhile, she whipped up the creamy avocado cilantro dressing using ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, garlic, and a touch of lime juice.

As she tossed the sizzling chicken with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices, my mouth watered in anticipation. The final touch was drizzling the creamy dressing over the salad, adding a burst of flavor and freshness.

I savored every bite of that salad, savoring the flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds. Maria noticed my delight and laughed, saying that she was glad I enjoyed her grandmother's recipe.

After finishing our meal, Maria handed me a handwritten recipe card with the instructions for the Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing. She urged me to recreate the dish at home and share it with my family.

I took the recipe card home with me and immediately set out to make the salad for my own family. As I grilled the chicken and blended the avocado cilantro dressing, I could still hear Maria's voice guiding me through each step.

When I served the salad to my family that evening, they were blown away by the flavors and textures. They couldn't believe that I had made such a delicious dish, and they begged me to make it again soon.

From that day on, the Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing became a staple in our household. I would often make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing down the tradition of this delicious salad. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day at Maria's house, where I first fell in love with this incredible dish.

I am grateful for the memories and friendships that this recipe has brought into my life. It has become more than just a dish; it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we care about.

As I sit here, reminiscing about that fateful day with Maria, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has enriched my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined, and for that, I am truly thankful.