Healthy Recipes: Toss Your Usual Salad for This Sweet and Crunchy Stand-In 4-15-08

This delicious entrée salad combines unique tastes and textures to create a delightful alternative to the traditional garden salad. Crunchy, toasted pecans and crisp red peppers complement sweet, succulent papaya – a blend that provides dietary fiber and vitamin C. Historically a southern staple, pecans are said to have been planted by the Spanish in 18th century Mexico. Although higher in fat than most plant foods, nuts are a healthful addition to any diet when eaten in moderation.

Papaya, Chicken and Pecan Salad Gluten Free

1 cup distilled or filtered water
1/2 lb. boneless, skinless organic Blackwing chicken breasts
4 cups torn organic romaine lettuce
1 medium organic papaya (about 1 1/2 cups), halved, seeded, peeled and cubed
1 cup organic red pepper strips (about 1 large pepper)
2 organic scallions, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice or 2 drops Bella Mira Lime Essential Oil
1 tsp. raw local honey
1 organic garlic clove, minced (about 1/2 tsp.)
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup organic pecan halves, toasted

Bring the water to a boil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet. Add the chicken breasts and return to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover and cool in the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, in a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, papaya, red pepper and scallions. Set aside.

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lime juice, honey, garlic and mustard. Slowly add the oil and whisk until well-blended. Add the salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.

Cube the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and combine with the dressing. Add the chicken and dressing to the salad greens and toss. Top with toasted pecans and serve.

Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 210 calories, 11 g total fat (1.5 g saturated fat),
13 g carbohydrates, 15 g protein, 4 g dietary fiber, 135 mg sodium.