crispy chicken & cucumber salad with dijon vinaigrette
Decisions.
Appropriate decisions.
I can’t decide if the word ‘appropriate’ is a must or a mere suggestion when it comes to certain situations.It’s appropriate to buy fruits and vegetables, but what about Fritos or condoms or other random lubricating things? Are those items ‘appropriate’ to put in your grocery cart? They wouldn’t have a section at the store if wasn’t ‘appropriate’, right? I’m open for discussion.
However, let me ask you another series of important questions: is it appropriate for a 32 year-old to attempt a side braid? To shop at Forever 21? To buy a jean vest? To wear overalls? I am at a huge crossroads in my life right now. Or at least that’s how it feels in my head.
I’m not young, young as in I can’t get away with wearing whatever I want like Miley Cyrus style, but I’m not a senior citizen either. You can see the dilemma. Should I just go with my gut when it comes to ‘appropriate’ clothing decisions or is there a list floating out there of what to wear/not wear that I don’t about? You would tell me rightttttttttt?
Well, now that I have word vomited for 57 minutes, I am starving! Let’s make a salad. Put the stink-eye away for a second and let me show you that this salad will make rabbit food look like human food. Does that even make sense?
This salad isn’t even a salad-salad because it comes sans lettuce. Crispy chicken, cucumbers (which are in season), tomatoes, jalapenos for a an extra kick, and the dreamiest vinaigrette this side of the Mississippi.
The only thing missing from this salad is a jean vest and a Miley Cyrus twerk.
Eating Seasonal Series:
My friend, Becky, author of The Vintage Mixer, is showing us that eating seasonally can be fun! Each month she provides a Seasonal Produce Guide, which you can save on your iPhone or desktop so you can get in the seasonal eating spirit.
Not only does she provide a beautiful illustration each month like the one above, you can also join me and a few fabulous food bloggers who are serving up seasonally inspired recipes. Follow us on Instagram and tag your photos with the #eatseasonal hashtag!
Pea and Arugula Pesto by Floating Kitchen
Poached Beets with Star Anise and Cinnamon by Project Domestication
Strawberry Fields Panzanella Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette by Flavor the Moments
Fresh Corn Salad by Bless this Mess
Quick Pickled Strawberries with Black Pepper and Tarragon by Simple Bites
Apricot Glazed Chicken by Vintage Mixer
Baked Zucchini Fries with Pesto Yogurt Dipping Sauce by Cookin’ Canuck
Chocolate Strawberry Protein Smoothie by The Lemon Bowl
Grilled Flatbread with Peaches and Arugula Pesto by Foodie Crush
Papaya Seed Vinaigrette Dressing by Kitchen Confidante
Spinach Pesto by Mountain Mama Cooks
Peach Salad with Grilled Chicken and Raspberries by Well Plated
Creamy Grilled Corn Pasta by Completely Delicious
Healthy Zucchini Muffins by Gimme Some Oven
Crispy Chicken & Cucumber Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Chicken & Cucumber Salad:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cups cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 English cucumbers, sliced in half
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, sliced in half
1 jalapeno, sliced into rounds
1 Serrano chile pepper, sliced into rounds
salt and pepper to taste
For the Dijon Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Djion mustard
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
For Crispy Chicken & Cucumber Salad:
In a large skillet, add 1/4 cup olive oil. Heat to medium-high heat and add the cubed chicken. Salt and pepper the chicken. Cook the chicken until brown and cooked through about 7 to 9 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, add cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, Serrano chile and jalapeno to a large bowl. Add the cooled chicken to the bowl and toss with the Dijon vinaigrette. Enjoy!
For the Dijon Vinaigrette:
Combine all ingredients into a bowl. Whisk until thickened.
adapted from Bon Appetit
All images and text ©
I can’t wait to try this dish, it looks amazing!
Thank you so much, Heather!
This dish is gorgeous! Pinned!
Thanks, Sommer!
Hell to the God damn yes. I love everything about this!!!!
LOL!! I heart you!! xoxo
It’s weird how all of a sudden life gets really complicated – braids, clothing and life shouldn’t be this hard at 30!! But this salad is not a hard life-decision, this is what life is all about, friend!! YUMOH!
Thanks, lady!! I am glad I have you to help me make decisions! Love ya!
I totally rocked a romper 2 days ago and plan to wear a side braid today in your honor. SOLIDARITY!
HECK YES!! You would look adorable in a romper! Thanks, lady!
Well I think as long as you don’t have cucumbers, condoms and lubrication in your grocery cart at the same time, it’s OK. Because you could get strange looks from the check out person otherwise…
HA! So true. Thanks, Liz!
I wonder the same thing these days. Should I wear more makeup (eek- I hate makeup)? Or should I shop somewhere more ‘grown-up? I think 32 is a bit of a crossroads. We’ll figure it out someday. Until then, more crispy chicken salads with dreamy vinaigrette!!
Yeah, I’ll pass on the Miley Cyrys twerk…lol. I’ve got a few years on you, and believe me, just do what makes you comfortable!!! If it’s anything like food, just embrace what makes you happy, and this salad would make me happy at any age 🙂
You are spot on, Liren! Thanks for the advice:)
Love the colors!! Everything is so vibrant and crisp.
And I say… go for the Forever 21. As long as you’re not buying something Miley would wear…
EXACTLY!! Thanks, Melissa!
Condoms and lube thingy’s then I scroll down to see a giant cucumber..connected much lol 😉
HA!!! Totally didn’t even catch that. You are the best, Gerry!
It’s as if you know my thoughts. I was picking out shorts the other day and had to put a few pairs back for fear they were too short. How short is too short for a 31-year old? I still haven’t figured out the answer. I’ll forget about my clothing woes and grab a fork instead. Pinned.
I’ve always felt weird about buying condoms in the grocery store…and I’ve felt weird about them even being in the grocery store. Back in the day, we used to just order them on Amazon! Solved all of life’s “appropriate” problems. 😛
Made this for dinner on Friday night, and was met with so much enthusiasm from my dinner guests that I didn’t even get a picture for Instagram documentation. 😉 Rave reviews all around!
p.s. Yes to side braids, no matter how old we are. 😀
HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so glad it was a hit. It’s my go-to salad now! Hope you are well, my dear! xoxo
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