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Delightful Summer Chicken Salad

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A summer salad with croutons to give it some crunch, a handful of shredded chicken for substance, enough greens to say ‘health’ and a dressing that shakes up easily in a jam jar. What is there not to love?

Ingredients

Scale

Croutons

  • 70g (3oz) white bread  - it needs to be a thick piece and it's fine if it's a bit stale
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Salt and pepper

OR substitute with a bag of supermarket readymade croutons - great for ease and speed

Dressing

  • 2 tbsps tahini
  • 2 tbsps lime juice
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce (I used dark soy sauce in these photos but the colour of the dressing is more subtle if you have light soy sauce)
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp dried chilli flakes

Other salad ingredients

  • 75g (3oz) salad leaves - I used a little gem lettuce
  • 60g (2oz) cucumber, cut into chunky pieces
  • a few coriander leaves
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 100g (1 cup) shredded, cooked chicken
  • 1 spring onion, finely sliced

Instructions

Baking the croutons -

  1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C Fan/325°F (gas mark 3).
  2. Cut the bread into cubes (Mine were about 1.5cm square). To be honest, my cubes were straight from a bag in the freezer – I hate waste, so when I have stale bread I cube it and pack it tightly in a bag for occasions just like this. Having it ready cut into cubes makes me more likely to use it.
  3. Toss the cubes in olive oil and seasoning – we’re aiming for a ‘coating’ rather than a ‘drenching’ here.
  4. Spread out the cubes on a baking tray covered in parchment.
  5. Bake for 10-13 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Set a timer here – the croutons will burn while your back is turned. Allow the croutons to cool and store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Preparing the dressing -

  1. Add all the ingredients to a jar with a lid. If you don't have a jar with a lid, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together with a fork.
  2. Shake well until fully combined.
  3. Taste to check seasoning.

Constructing the salad -

  1. Arrange the salad leaves, coriander leaves and cucumber in a serving bowl. I like the look of a large, flat bowl for drama!
  2. Sprinkle over the sesame seeds, shredded chicken, sliced spring onions and croutons.
  3. Drizzle over some of the dressing and serve the remainder on the side.

Notes

Vary the seasoning on the croutons if you fancy a change – smoked paprika might be nice. AND, if you live with people who like to ‘graze’, hide the box of croutons - they will disappear before your eyes!

Keywords: salad, healthy, mid week, summer

Find it online: https://marmaladeandme.com/delightful-summer-chicken-salad/