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Balsamic Chicken & Peach Salad
Ingredients
Chicken/Veggies:
- 1 lb chicken thighs (or veggies for vegetarian option), cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup or raw honey (or preferred sweetener)
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan or sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
Easy Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1-3 teaspoons minced garlic (1-3 cloves)
- 2 drops of orange essential oil
Salad:
- 6 cups baby arugula (or mixed greens)
- 2 organic peaches, thinly sliced
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Add chicken to a baking dish and toss in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and maple syrup. Let marinate for around 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Brush baking sheet with olive oil. Place marinated chicken on sheet and brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. In a preheated oven, roast for 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is done, stirring halfway.
- While chicken roasts, make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and essential oil. Set aside.
- Wash, dry, and slice peaches.
- Arrange salad: In a large serving bowl, add greens, peaches, chicken, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serves 4. Per Serving (based on using chicken, pure maple syrup, cayenne pepper & arugula):
Calories: 369 |
Total Fat: 25.8 g |
Total Carbohydrate: 13 g |
Dietary Fiber: 1.6 g |
Protein: 23.6 g
Ingredient Highlights
Commonly known as rocket, arugula is a spicy, leafy green veggie that’s from the same brassica family as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
Balsamic vinegar is an aromatic, thick, dark, syrupy, aged type of vinegar, made from the reduction of cooked grapes. Lower-priced brands (like those found in most grocery stores) are often made with cheap wine vinegar mixed with corn syrup, flavoring, and caramel coloring. Buy real when you can!
Cayenne pepper is a good source of beta carotene and antioxidants that support the immune system. The key compound in cayenne called capsaicin is also cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, helps prevent kidney stones and speed up metabolism, and has beneficial effects on the GI system.
There are over 300 varieties of garlic grown around the world. It is considered both a vegetable and an herb and is clinically proven to support the immune system.
Enzymes in fresh lemon juice accelerate the digestive process. Even though lemon juice is acidic, it actually has an alkalizing effect on the body.
Maple syrup contains a number of minerals including manganese, zinc, calcium, and potassium. It also contains amino acids, antioxidants, and even some anti-inflammatory compounds.
Pure olive oil is high in nutrients including vitamins D, E, K, and A as well as omega-3 fatty acids. For the highest quality, look for organic extra virgin olive oil in dark glass bottles or tins that have an expiry date.
Made from orange peel, orange essential oil can be beneficial for those suffering from stomach issues such as excess gas and constipation. To avoid pesticide exposure, only use pure, organic essential oils in recipes.
In addition to their impressive nutrient profile, peaches could also help maintain hair growth, cleanse the body, and serve as a natural stress reliever.
Walnuts are a good plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating foods containing omega-3s can help cleanse your lungs and keep your pulmonary system working effectively.
Katrina... I so enjoy and benefit from your presentations. thank you!
Yay! Thanks, Miriam. I'm so happy to hear. :-)
This is one of my favorite recipes to date! Give it a try - you won't be disappointed.