Chicken and watercress salad with almonds and feta

Discover a delightful Chicken and Watercress Salad with Almonds and Feta recipe: a perfect blend of tender chicken breasts, crunchy almonds, creamy feta, sweet apricots, and peppery watercress dressed in a tangy olive oil and vinegar dressing. Ready in minutes for a refreshing and nutritious meal!

  • 15 Sep 2024
  • Cook time 20 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 8 Ingredients

Chicken and watercress salad with almonds and feta

Indulge in a fresh and flavorful Chicken and Watercress Salad with Almonds and Feta. This recipe combines tender chicken, peppery watercress, sweet apricots, and creamy feta, finished with a crunch from toasted almonds. It’s a balanced meal that's both nutritious and delicious, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup almonds
24g
3 tbsp olive oil
40g
4 apricots
140g
4.50 cups watercress
150g
1/4 cup vinegar
66g
1 tbsp onion
10g
2 chicken breasts
290g
3/4 cup feta cheese
110g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken breasts until they are no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, approximately 6-7 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. An internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
2. Toast the Almonds:
- In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, add the almonds.
- Toast them, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let them burn.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Apricots:
- Wash the apricots, cut them in half, remove the pits, and then slice each half into thin wedges.
4. Make the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and finely chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, add the watercress.
- Top with the sliced apricots, sliced chicken, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Gently toss everything together to combine.
7. Serve:
- Divide the salad among plates or bowls and serve immediately.

Tips:

- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. This will enhance their flavor and add a pleasant crunch to the salad.

- Grill or pan-sear the chicken breasts for a more robust flavor, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil before cooking.

- Use fresh, ripe apricots for the best flavor. If apricots are out of season, you can substitute with dried apricots; just soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften before using.

- To make the vinaigrette, mix the olive oil and vinegar in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and add finely minced onion for extra flavor. Adjust the ratio of olive oil to vinegar to your taste preference.

- Toss the salad just before serving to prevent the watercress from wilting and the almonds from getting soggy.

This Chicken and Watercress Salad is a refreshing dish that brings together a variety of textures and flavors. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp watercress, and crunchy almonds, all tied together with the tangy sweetness of apricots and the rich creaminess of feta, creates a satisfying meal that is sure to become a favorite. Serve it on its own or as a complement to a larger meal.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size210 grams
Energy
Calories 220kcal9%
Protein
Protein 22g15%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 1.66g4%
Sugar 3.77g4%
Fat
Fat 22g25%
Saturated 6g19%
Cholesterol 80mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 140ug15%
Choline 70mg13%
Vitamin B1 0.17mg14%
Vitamin B2 0.49mg38%
Vitamin B3 8mg48%
Vitamin B6 0.79mg46%
Vitamin B9 24ug6%
Vitamin B12 0.63ug26%
Vitamin C 20mg22%
Vitamin E 2.62mg17%
Vitamin K 100ug81%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 210mg16%
Copper, Cu 0.15mg0%
Iron, Fe 0.92mg8%
Magnesium, Mg 55mg13%
Phosphorus, P 310mg25%
Potassium, K 530mg16%
Selenium, Se 22ug39%
Sodium, Na 370mg25%
Zinc, Zn 1.61mg15%
Water
Water 150g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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