Crispy Chicken Salad with Pineapple Pico de Gallo
Try this Crispy Chicken Salad with Pineapple Pico de Gallo recipe.
Try this Crispy Chicken Salad with Pineapple Pico de Gallo recipe.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 small red onion finely chopped
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- juice of half a lime
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup avocado oil mayo (i use primal kitchen)*
- 1 small hass avocado pitted and peeled
- 1 small tomato cored deseeded, and finely chopped
- 1/2 pound pineapple chunks finely chopped
- 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/2 jalapeã±o (or the whole thing if you want more heat deseeded and minced
- 4 cups loosely packed lettuce and/or arugula (i used half
- 1 medium hass avocado thinly sliced
- 1 (2.5-ounce) bag of pork rinds (i use epic sea salt
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons duck fat ghee or avocado oil*
- Carbohydrate 8.73562393077307 g
- Cholesterol 52.875 mg
- Fat 7.80105136095478 g
- Fiber 0.877208509773452 g
- Protein 1.96409891226362 g
- Saturated Fat 1.28679672741564 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (89g)
- Sodium 201.353690462674 mg
- Sugar 7.85841542099962 g
- Trans Fat 0.424551196973659 g
- Calories 107 calories
Step-by-step
- To make the dressing, process all ingredients with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve. I like to re-blend the dressing right before serving so it’s nice and creamy.
- To make the pineapple pico, toss all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Taste and add salt, pepper, and lime juice if desired. Set aside at room temperature until ready to use.
- To assemble the salad, line a large platter or four salad plates with greens. Scatter on the sliced radishes and avocado.
- To make the crispy chicken, crush the pork rinds until finely ground. I did this right in the bag: cut a slit in the bag and press the air out, then use a meat mallet or heavy skillet to crush the pork rinds. Pour the contents of the bag out onto a large plate.
- Pound the chicken breasts between two pieces of parchment or in a ziptop bag until about half an inch thick. Heat the cooking fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dip one piece of chicken into the beaten egg to coat on both sides, then press each side into the pork rinds, making sure the chicken is well coated. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 2-3 more minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked (it should measure 160-165 on a meat thermometer).
- Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels, and repeat with the second piece of chicken. Allow the chicken to rest for five minutes, then slice into strips.
- Top the salad with the chicken, add spoonfuls of pineapple pico, and drizzle the dressing on top. Serve right away.
A Busy Mom's Quick & Delicious Crispy Chicken Salad
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and dishes, finding time for a healthy and satisfying meal often feels impossible. But I’ve discovered a secret weapon: this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy Crispy Chicken Salad with Pineapple Pico de Gallo. It’s become a weeknight staple, a lifesaver, really, and it's so good, the whole family loves it!
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and flexibility. I often prep the components ahead of time – the pico de gallo can be made the night before, and the chicken can be cooked and sliced earlier in the day. This means on a busy weeknight, assembly only takes minutes. It's perfect for those evenings when you're craving something fresh, healthy, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The crispy chicken adds a delightful textural contrast to the juicy pineapple and refreshing crunch of the greens. The dressing is light yet vibrant, perfectly complementing the sweet and spicy notes of the pico de gallo. It’s a balance of flavors and textures that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Why This Recipe Works:
Speed and Efficiency: The prep work can be done ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet pineapple, spicy jalapeño, and savory chicken creates a symphony of flavors.
Healthier Choice: Packed with fresh ingredients and lean protein, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what's available. Don't like jalapeños? Leave them out! Prefer a different type of lettuce? Go for it! The versatility of this salad makes it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.
Beyond the Weeknight: This salad isn't just for busy weeknights. It's also perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a light and refreshing lunch. It travels well and can be easily scaled to feed a crowd. This versatile salad shines no matter the occasion!
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: Prep the pico de gallo and cook the chicken a day or two in advance to save time during the week.
- Add protein: Feel free to add other proteins like grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or black beans for extra sustenance.
- Change up the greens: Use your favorite greens, such as spinach, romaine, or kale.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pico de gallo or dressing for extra heat.
- Get creative with toppings: Try adding other toppings like toasted nuts, seeds, or crumbled cheese.
This Crispy Chicken Salad with Pineapple Pico de Gallo is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a celebration of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and the joy of creating something special, even when you're short on time. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by your schedule, remember this simple yet satisfying salad. It's a true lifesaver for busy moms everywhere!
