When the warm weather beckons, people are apt to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors. Many people also are less likely to prepare heavy meals when the weather warms up. Rich, filling foods can make people feel sluggish, especially on hot days and nights. That’s why salads and summer are such a perfect match.
Salads can be made with whichever ingredients home chefs prefer or have on hand. What better way to maximize the summer season than by incorporating summer berries into the salad mix? In this recipe for “Blueberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken” from “Cooking Light: Fresh Food Superfast” (Oxmoor House) from the Editors of Cooking Light, iron, folate, vitamins, and rich antioxidants combine to create a light, tasty meal that’s perfect for summer evenings.
Blueberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken
Makes 4 servings
3 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Cooking spray
1 6-ounce package fresh baby spinach
1 cup crumbled goat cheese
1 cup blueberries, optional
Blueberry-Thyme Dressing (see below)
Prepare Blueberry Thyme Dressing.
Place chicken breasts in a medium bowl. Add 1⁄3 cup dressing, toss to coat.
Heat a nonstick grill pan over mediumhigh heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chicken mixture to pan; cook 5 minutes on each side, or until desired degree of doneness. Let chicken stand 3 minutes before cutting crosswise into 1⁄2-inch slices. Cover and keep warm.
While chicken cooks, place 11⁄2 cups spinach on each of four plates. Top salads evenly with chicken slices; sprinkle evenly with goat cheese and, if desired, blueberries. Drizzle evenly with remaining dressing.
Blueberry-Thyme Dressing
Makes 5 servings
1 cup blueberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
Place all ingredient in a blender; process for 30 seconds or until smooth.
