Springtime Chicken Salad

Mirj's Note:

I found this recipe on a low-carb website, and it's become a lifesaver. I usually make this up the night before and take it in to work for a great lunch.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 lb fresh asparagus
• 1 head iceberg lettuce
• lemon slice (to garnish)

lemon-herb dressing

• ½ cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic , pressed
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• lemon slice , for garnish
• ¼ cup slivered toasted almond , for topping

Directions:

1. Cover the boneless chicken breasts with 1/4 c lemon juice and water or broth to cover in a 9-in skillet.
2. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil slowly.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for one minute.
4. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 20 minutes.
5. Remove chicken, pat dry, & shred.
6. Snap off asparagus stalks at the point of tenderness.
7. Partially fill a large skillet with water and bring to boil.
8. Add asparagus; cover and heat until water comes back to a boil.
9. Uncover and boil slowly for 4-5 minutes until spears bend a little when lifted.
10. Drain and cool.
11. With a knife, shred half of the lettuce and place in a large salad bowl.
12. Combine the dressing ingredients and shake until blended.
13. Drizzle half of the dressing over the lettuce.
14. Slice the asparagus into 2-in diagonal pieces and combine with the lettuce.
15. Drizzle with remaining dressing and garnish with lemon slices.
16. Serve, sprinkled with almonds.

Reviews

[Pets'R'us]

An excellent light salad with lots of flavor. The dressing was wonderful, we loved the lemon/herb combination. We had this salad as a main dish, I added some large home made garlic croutons. The only thing I did different was that I used Romaine lettuce, because that was what I had in the fridge. I might use pine nuts next time instead of the almonds.

[Luschka]

This was truly delicious. I didn't have basil, so I added basil olive oil. I was initially concerned that it was going to be way too tart with all the lemon juice, but it was healthy, delicious, tasty and filling. I used a pre prepared lettuce mix, and used turkey instead of chicken. Definitely will be making this again! Thanks Mirj! (Reviewed for Spring PAC 2007)