Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon , zest of
4 cloves garlic , finely minced
1 packet shiitake mushrooms
2 tablespoons margarine
salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic , minced
1 head lettuce
1 cup dried apricot , coarsely chopped
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup cashews
Ipanema Grilled Chicken Salad is a refreshing and colorful option for a healthy lunch or dinner. The recipe combines juicy chicken, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and a variety of greens, nuts, and dried fruit, all tied together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The salad takes its name from the Ipanema neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, known for its sunny beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and delicious food. This salad is a perfect choice for those who want to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet while indulging in a feast for the senses.

Instructions

1.In a bowl, whisk together white wine, olive oil, lemon zest, and minced garlic to make a marinade.
2.Place chicken breasts in the marinade, turn them over to coat, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3.In a skillet, sauté shiitake mushrooms in margarine, season with salt and pepper and cook until tender.
4.In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, chives, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5.Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through, let them rest for 5 minutes and slice.
6.In a salad bowl, toss together the lettuce, dried apricot, raisins, and cashews.
7.Add chicken slices and shiitake mushrooms, pour dressing over everything, and toss to mix.

PROS

This salad is packed with wholesome ingredients that provide an abundance of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.

It is versatile, satisfying, and an excellent way to add lean protein to your diet.

The dressing is low in calories and fat.

CONS

Chicken breasts tend to be drier, less flavorful, and more expensive than other chicken parts.

The recipe requires some prep time to chop the ingredients, and you need to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.

Cashews are relatively high in calories and fat, so they should be consumed in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This salad is an excellent source of lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins that contribute to overall well-being.
Chicken is a low-fat, high-protein meat that contains essential amino acids, vitamins B6 and B12, and minerals like iron, phosphorus, and zinc.
The shiitake mushrooms are rich in vitamin B, D, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
The dried apricots and raisins are a good source of fiber, potassium, and iron, while the cashews contribute healthy fats, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.