Monday, January 17, 2011

Chicken and Pears over Arugula

Okay, so the Macaroni and Cheese was delicious but very rich. I am ready for some lighter fare, how about you?



This salad fits the bill: it is delicious, healthy, and a cinch to make!

Recipe adapted from one I found in All You magazine.

printable recipe
Chicken and Pears over Arugula

serves 4

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), trimmed, patted dry and pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
  • salt and pepper
  • 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 2 Tbsp cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 large bunch arugula (about 7 oz)
  • 2 ripe pears, halved, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Warm 1 Tbsp olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is foaming. Add chicken. 



Cook, turning once, until golden on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.

While chicken is cooking, whisk remaining 3 Tbsp oil, vinegar, mustard, 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper, in a small bowl. When the chicken is done cooking, whisk the leftover butter and juices from chicken into the dressing mix as well.


Place the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and put in oven at 350F for about 8 minutes, until toasted.



Slice chicken thinly across the grain.




Place arugula, chicken and pear slices in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing mix and top with walnuts and dried cranberries.





2 comments:

  1. Since I just bought chicken and told myself (between bites of a chocolate chip cookie) I was going to eat salads everyday for lunch...this looks like a great salad. I love your site, since i am one who never knows what to make for dinner. Great find!!

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  2. YUUUUMMMMY! Can you come to my house and cook for us? (LOL) visiting from Tasty Tuesday. I am ALWAYS in need of new recipes so I will be back! (Following you!)

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