With bursting blueberries, crisp greens, salty seeds and spicy chicken — this salad is one tasty hello to spring!
All winter, seems like everybody wears shades of black and gray. Ever notice that? And all winter, foods seem just a bit more packaged, a tad more bland and a little, well, predictable.
But it’s like we’re on the highway and can see the faster speed limit sign just ahead — time to shift into 5th and jet into spring!
This Chipotle Chicken Leafy Salad is a great way to wake up your taste buds and get ‘em all excited for the fresh flavors coming their way. It’s got a mouthful of everything your body’s been craving since last summer.
First, start with two chicken breast tenderloins and put ‘em in a small baking dish slathered with olive oil. Add olive oil to the top of each tenderloin, then sprinkle with chipotle seasoning, fresh cracked pepper, and course sea salt.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully done. You should smell the kitch ’bout now! Tempting. Sooo tempting.
Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes so the juices absorb. Meanwhile, add a bed of fresh, crunchy leafy greens to two plates. I used organic spinach and spring mix lettuces to add color. Sprinkle with as many blueberries as your want.
Slice the chicken and add one sliced tenderloin to each plate, right on top of the greens and blueberries. Now sprinkle the salad with salted sunflower seeds, and drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette.
The money shot…
I like tangy champagne vinaigrette that I found refrigerated right near the salad fixin’s at the store, but you can use your favorite salad dressing or make your own.
Flavor packed! Doesn’t this make your mouth water?
Serve it right away — cuz your tastebuds have seen that new speed limit sign and they’re rarin’ to go!
Make-Ahead Option
The chicken can be served chilled, too, so you can make this entire dish ahead of time and pull it out of the fridge at serving time.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light meal. To make it more filling, serve with a cup of soup, biscuit or bread stick.
If you want larger portions, use two 8-ounce chicken breasts and increase the amount of the other ingredients accordingly.
Fresh Lettuce Recipes for Spring
- Lettuce Bundles Recipe
- Spicy Asian Shrimp Lettuce Cups Recipe
- Taco Lettuce Cups Recipe
- Chicken and Mango Salad in Lettuce Bowl Recipe
- Chicken and PB Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Read our How to Keep Lettuce Fresh article for hints on keeping your greens crisp and delish!
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