crispy chicken & cucumber salad with dijon vinaigrette www.climbinggriermountain.com

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.

Crispy Chicken & Cucumber Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

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?

Crispy Chicken & Cucumber Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

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.

Crispy Chicken & Cucumber Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

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!

11536448_10103242889041257_11618192703248767_o

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 ©