Avocado Apple Chicken Salad

The weather is still rather hot in the Emirates, and so more often than not I prefer something cool for lunch.  This salad is the result of my GO BIG or Go Home mentality.  I’m sure you’ve seen the articles in your favourite magazine.  Superfoods – the things we should be eating daily?  The list varies from time to time, but there are a few staples –  Apples, Avocados, Leafy Greens, Olive Oil, Pumpkin Seeds are on a few lists.  So one day I decided, the best way to get it all at once, is to throw it into a salad.  I have to say I do enjoy eating this salad, it doesn’t really feel like a chore, and my kids enjoy it too.  The semi-sweetness of the apple gives it a great flavour.

Whenever you have left over grilled chicken, you could use that, which is what I usually do.  However, I’ve included  chicken in this recipe.

Avocado Apple Chicken Salad

AVOCADO APPLE CHICKEN SALAD

Chicken

2 medium sized pieces of chicken breasts, skinless and boneless

1 clove of garlic, crushed

1/2 tsp oregano

1 Tbsp Greek Salad Dressing, regular store bought ( I like Ina Paarman’s)

2 Tbsp lemon juice

a pinch of salt

Marinate the chicken with the rest of the ingredients, and grill or pan fry till done. Slice into thin strips.

For the Salad

1 bag of salad leaves or lettuce

2 mediterranean cucumbers

1/2 ripe avocado

1 green apple

1/2 a carrot, finely grated

a handful of pumpkin seeds

For the dressing

1/4 cup of fresh orange juice

1/2 tsp of honey

1 Tbsp mayonaisse

1 tsp olive oil

pinch of salt

freshly ground black pepper

Slice cucumbers, cut avocado into cubes.  Thinly slice the apple.  Place leaves in a serving plate, top with cucumbers, and then apple slices, sliced chicken. Toss avocado cubes in. Garnish with the finely shredded carrot, and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.  To make the dressing, whisk all ingredients together. Pour dressing over when you are ready to serve.

A quick note, personally I prefer the rough-skinned Hass avocados to Fuertes, I find they taste more buttery and yummy.  If you live in South Africa, and don’t feel like making the dressing, Ina Paarman’s French Salad dressing works just as well with this salad.  If you live in the Emirates, you can probably pick it up at Spinney’s.