Today we explore a captivating recipe that stands out for its harmonious fusion of flavours and textures. Broccoli and fruit salad with grilled chicken is the result of an ingenious combination that promises to delight the palate with its freshness and complexity of flavours. This culinary proposal, born from an improvisation that resulted in an exceptional dish, offers versatility by taking advantage of leftover grilled chicken or chicken breast fillets. The symphony of ingredients, from the broccoli to the juiciness of the fruits and the irresistible texture of the grilled chicken, promises a unique gastronomic experience. The choice of quality fresh or preserved fruits adds a sweet touch to the whole, further enhancing the array of flavours. Find out how to prepare this delicious salad that will captivate your senses!
How to make the salad
Let's start by preparing the broccoli: after washing it carefully, cut it into florets. To enhance its texture and preserve its flavour, we choose to steam or microwave it for a few minutes, making sure it is just right, firm but tender. Once cooked, we allow it to cool, thus preparing the fresh and healthy base for our salad.
Let's move on to the protein star of this recipe, the chicken breast. We heat a grill or griddle and add a touch of olive oil for a perfect browning. Cook the breast on both sides until juicy and flavoursome. To enhance the flavour, season with a pinch of salt, and for an aromatic touch, generously add thyme and rosemary. Allow the chicken to rest and cool before cutting it into strips, ready to be the delicious protein to top our salad. This process ensures a combination of flavours and textures that will make your dish a unique and appetising culinary experience.
Let's start carefully with the cranberries, making sure to wash them thoroughly before reserving them for later use. With the same care, we drain the mandarins, preparing them to integrate freshly and juicily into our salad.
Now, on a presentation platter, arrange the broccoli florets, creating a vibrant and nutritious base. On top of this green bed, we add the strips of pre-cooked chicken and the prepared fruits, cranberries and mandarin oranges, bringing to life a combination of colours and flavours.
To highlight and balance this mix of ingredients, we apply a touch of salt and pepper to taste. Then, to enhance the freshness and bring out the nuances, we prepare a dressing composed of refreshing lemon juice and unctuous extra virgin olive oil. To finish with aromatic elegance, we sprinkle thyme and rosemary according to preference, endowing the salad with a complexity of flavours that elevate each bite to an exceptional culinary experience - a delicious combination that will delight both the eye and the palate!
Exploring the Taste: Broccoli and Fruit Salad with Grilled Chicken
Immerse yourself in a unique culinary experience with our broccoli and fruit salad, accompanied by juicy grilled chicken strips. From the freshness of the broccoli al dente to the sweet and citrusy combination of cranberries and mandarin oranges, each ingredient brings its own nuance to this colourful and flavourful dish.
Detailed Steps for a Perfect Experience:
- Preparing the Green Base: Wash and cut the broccoli into florets, steam or microwave to al dente texture and let cool.
- Chicken Symphony of Flavours: Grill chicken breast with olive oil, season with thyme and rosemary, and slice into strips, adding a delicious layer of protein to the salad.
- Sweet and Citrusy Touch: Wash the cranberries, drain the mandarin oranges and add them to the bowl with the broccoli and chicken.
- Aromatic Dressing: Season to taste with salt and pepper and dress with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of thyme and rosemary to enhance the freshness and aroma.
This salad is not only an explosion of flavours, but also a healthy and balanced option. The combination of fresh ingredients and the careful preparation of each element translates into a gastronomic experience that will satisfy your palate and leave you wanting more. Enjoy this feast of colours and textures that elevate the salad to a new culinary dimension!