Rustic Chicken Salad with Hearty Greens

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €24.45 · €4.08/serving

• 1 onion, cut into quarters (for a milder flavor, remove the core after quartering)Est. price €0.15–€0.40
• 2 celery stalks with their delicate leaves attached (reserve leaves for garnish)Est. price €0.30–€0.70
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise (for a more elegant presentation, cut on a bias)Est. price €0.20–€0.50
• 6 sprigs of fresh parsley and 2 fragrant bay leaves (tie herbs together with kitchen twine for easy removal)Est. price €0.60–€1.20
• Salt, to your desired taste preference (add in small increments to avoid oversalting)Est. price €0.01–€0.05
• 4 whole peppercorns (lightly crush for a stronger pepper flavor)Est. price €0.02–€0.08
• 8 boneless chicken breast halves, each weighing 6 ounces (pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking)Est. price €10.00–€18.00
• 2 medium fennel bulbs, with cores removed (reserve and finely chop the feathery fronds for a decorative finish)Est. price €2.50–€4.50
• 1/2 pound of tender green beans, with their stem ends trimmed and blanched (shock in ice water after blanching to retain vibrant color)Est. price €1.50–€2.80
• 3 cups of ripe cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (use a serrated knife for clean cuts)Est. price €3.00–€5.50

Steps

1. 1

   In a large pot, combine 4 quarts of water with onion, celery, carrots, parsley, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

2. 2

   Begin by adding the chicken to the pot and bringing it back to a boil. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Once done, take the chicken out of the liquid and let it cool down to room temperature before removing the skin from each piece.

3. 3

   Begin by tearing the chicken into sizable shreds and transfer them to a spacious mixing bowl.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  The Rustic Chicken Salad with Hearty Greens is a classic Mediterranean-inspired dish that showcases the use of fresh ingredients like olives, capers, and herbs. It reflects the cultural emphasis on using seasonal produce and simple, flavorful combinations in Mediterranean cuisine.

• Seasonal note

  This Rustic Chicken Salad with Hearty Greens is best enjoyed in the spring and summer months when fresh herbs and vegetables like fennel, green beans, and tomatoes are in season.

• Health note

  This dish is a great source of protein with 28g per serving, making it a satisfying and filling meal. It is also rich in fiber (6g) and vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function, skin health, and bone strength.