Warm chicken and lentil salad
Savor a nutritious and delicious Warm Chicken and Lentil Salad featuring tender chicken breasts, protein-packed lentils, and fresh spinach. This easy recipe is packed with flavor from sautéed onions and garlic, all tossed in a light olive oil and vinegar dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner!
- 21 May 2024
- Cook time 18 min
- Prep time 10 min
- 4 Servings
- 7 Ingredients
Experience a delicious and nutritious Warm Chicken and Lentil Salad that's perfect for any meal. Combining tender chicken breasts, hearty lentils, and fresh spinach, this salad is both satisfying and simple to prepare. Let's dive into making this wholesome dish with easy-to-follow steps and a few helpful tips!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat half of the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pan, cooking for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest. Once it has cooled slightly, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the drained and rinsed lentils to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the lentils are warmed through.
- Stir in the vinegar and cook for another minute.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted but still vibrant green.
- Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
- Allow everything to heat together for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the warm chicken and lentil salad immediately, either as a standalone dish or over a bed of mixed greens for extra freshness.
Tips:
- Tip 1: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. If possible, opt for organic chicken and fresh spinach.
- Tip 2: To ensure even cooking, cut the chicken breasts into equally sized pieces before cooking.
- Tip 3: Use a non-stick skillet to cook the chicken to avoid sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Tip 4: Enhance the flavors by marinating the chicken in olive oil, vinegar, and minced garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Tip 5: For added texture and flavor, consider topping your salad with a handful of toasted nuts or seeds.
This Warm Chicken and Lentil Salad is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a wholesome lunch or a hearty dinner. With a beautiful combination of protein-rich chicken, flavorful lentils, and fresh spinach, it’s both delicious and satisfying. Remember to follow the tips for best results and enjoy every bite of this delightful salad!
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 330 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 340kcal | 14% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 50g | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 24g | 7% |
| Fiber 9g | 24% |
| Sugar 4.22g | 4% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 8g | 10% |
| Saturated 1.51g | 5% |
| Cholesterol 120mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 60ug | 7% |
| Choline 180mg | 32% |
| Vitamin B1 0.36mg | 30% |
| Vitamin B2 0.41mg | 32% |
| Vitamin B3 18mg | 109% |
| Vitamin B6 1.65mg | 97% |
| Vitamin B9 220ug | 55% |
| Vitamin B12 0.36ug | 15% |
| Vitamin C 9mg | 11% |
| Vitamin E 1.38mg | 9% |
| Vitamin K 77ug | 62% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 45mg | 4% |
| Copper, Cu 0.34mg | 0% |
| Iron, Fe 4.26mg | 39% |
| Magnesium, Mg 100mg | 24% |
| Phosphorus, P 560mg | 45% |
| Potassium, K 1090mg | 32% |
| Selenium, Se 40ug | 76% |
| Sodium, Na 100mg | 6% |
| Zinc, Zn 2.59mg | 24% |
| Water | |
| Water 250g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
More recipes
Fresh summer tomato and pepper salad with olive oil and vinegar
Seasoned with a dash of salt and black pepper, it's a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.
14 May 2024Linguine with roasted red peppers and kalamata olives
Easy to prepare and utterly delicious.
11 Jun 2024Garlic and balsamic vinaigrette
Perfect for any greens or veggies, it’s a quick and easy way to add gourmet flair to your meals.
11 Mar 2024Pearl couscous salad with lemon, asparagus and tomato
Perfect for a healthy, vibrant meal any time.
07 May 2024Chicken with olives and tomatoes
Try this Mediterranean-inspired recipe for a flavorful experience everyone will love.
29 Mar 2024Tuna ranch garden salad with multi-grain bread
Enjoy it with a side of hearty multi-grain bread for a wholesome, delicious meal.
27 May 2024Barley, chickpea and eggplant casserole with parsley pesto
Perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal that's packed with flavor and nutrition.
07 Jun 2024Tuna nicoise bowl with lentils, egg and spinach
Enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes, crunchy walnuts, and drizzled with olive oil and vinegar, this protein-packed meal is perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner.
20 May 2024Balsamic-glazed salmon with spinach, olives and golden raisins
Perfect for a balanced meal that's both nutritious and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
23 Mar 2024Baked fish with salsa verde and rosemary potatoes
Perfect for a nutritious and delicious dinner.
19 May 2024Whole wheat bread and veggie salad with egg, cumin and sunflower seeds
Enhanced with a dash of salt, cumin, sunflower seeds, olive oil, vinegar, and a dollop of Greek yogurt, this meal offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures for a satisfying, healthy lunch or dinner.
11 Mar 2024Fried zucchini and cauliflower with walnut sauce
Perfect for a flavorful, nutrient-packed side or main course everyone will love.
31 May 2024Eggplant with blue cheese and sun-dried tomato pistou
Indulge in this gourmet vegetarian delight that's perfect for any occasion.
14 May 2024Eggplant, capsicum and bulgur salad
Easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients, it's a delightful salad that can be served warm or cold.
04 Apr 2024Green olive and lime tapenade
Made with briny olives, refreshing lime zest, and rich olive oil, it's an easy yet sophisticated spread ready in minutes.
20 May 2024Mixed tomatoes with basil oil
Perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of vinegar, this dish is an ideal appetizer or side for any meal.
28 May 2024Baked chicken and sweet potato with chickpeas
A perfect one-pan meal for a satisfying dinner.
31 May 2024Chicken with rosemary and caper seasoning
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
06 Jun 2024