CHEFIT: Heart Healthy Chicken Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Dark leafy greens, berries, and pomegranate seeds are an antioxidant powerhouse. This combination may help you fight off those pesky illnesses all winter and it will certainly make your heart happy. Berries and leafy greens may help lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk for developing heart disease. Plus, you have to admit, any vinaigrette that has champagne in the name MUST be a winner. This recipe is also great as a side dish to any meal, just omit the chicken if serving with another protein. 

YIELD: 2 ENTRÉE PORTIONS 

INGREDIENTS, FOR THE SALAD: 

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup olive oil 
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 4 cups baby lettuce
• 1 cup strawberries, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles 
• Salt and pepper, to taste

FOR THE DRESSING: 

• 1/4 cup olive oil 
• 1/8 cup champagne vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard 
• Salt and pepper, to taste 

PREPARTION: 

Marinate chicken breast for at least 1 hour in lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano. Remove from marinade and season with desired amount of salt and pepper. In a hot cast iron pan, cook chicken for approximately 8-10 minutes on each side until chicken reaches 165 degrees. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 

Meanwhile, combine champagne vinegar, honey, Dijon, and mix until well incorporated. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. 

To build the salad, place leafy greens in a large bowl, top with strawberries, raspberries, pomegranate seeds, almonds, and goat cheese. Add sliced chicken on top along with the champagne vinaigrette. Serve immediately.