Grilled Basil Chicken & White Bean Salad

 

This week “diet-healthy” food posts have been popping up all over the internet. After cringing at the bland, boring, and unappetizing shares, I decided to headed to the grocery store to pick up some key healthy ingredients that will put bland and boring on the back burner once and for all.  Healthy can be tasty, why do so many believe in the myth…”if it taste too good and can’t be good for you”?  It is Simply  not true…and I’m on a mission to prove it! Meals packed with flavors that are easy to prepare, will be showcased in a way that even non- dieters will want to give them a try!  I will share easy to prepare, breakfast, lunch and dinners recipes, packed with flavorful combinations of fruits, vegetables, and protein. This weeks focus is healthy eating that will satisfy your appetite, nourish your body and tantalize your taste buds! First up ~ Grilled Basil Chicken & White Bean Salad, perfect dish for lunch or dinner!

Grilled Basil Chicken & White Bean Salad

Ingredients

6-8 chicken tenders

1 cup chopped vine ripe tomato ; chopped

1/2 cup red onion; thinly sliced

1  16 oz. can chickpeas; drained and rinsed

1  16 oz. can cannellini beans; drained and rinsed

1 cup Feta cheese

2 large garlic cloves; minced

3 cups broccolini; steamed and cut into 1 inch pieces

¾ cup basil; cut Chiffonade style

Basil Marinade Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil

juice of one large lemon

8-10 large fresh basil leaves; cut Chiffonade style

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Step-by-Step

1  combine chicken tenders, and Basil Marinade ingredients in ZipLoc bag; marinate in refrigerator overnight; grill chicken 5-7 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked; reserve

2  combine all dressing ingredients in mixing bowl; whisk well; reserve

3  combine tomato, onions, beans, feta cheese, broccolini, garlic and basil in large mixing bowl

4  cut reserved chicken tenders  into bite-size pieces; add to salad

5  pour reserved dressing over top; toss; mix well; serve

Note~ Will keep an airtight container refrigerated 2-3 days

Note~ Chiffonade,  is a long  fancy cut of leafy vegetables, or herbs.

 Chiffonard  Step-by-Step

1  Simply stack, and tightly roll leafs; cut roll into thin strips; gently toss cut strips to loosen ribbon like lengths