Swimsuit Salad: Grilled Chicken w/ Asparagus



For as much as I am looking forward to swimsuit season, a part of me doesn't want to remove my turtleneck and winter coat for fear of what lies underneath all that "safe" clothing (and you think I'm kidding).

Spring brings asparagus, shorter sleeves, open toed shoes (yay!), and healthier foods ahead.

This salad is a terrific main dish for lunch or dinner. The second time I made this I added sliced black grapes and liked it even better. It is really tasty and has negative calories (well, not really), but it will help in the effort to remove the winter coat.



Spring Asparagus Salad w/ Grilled Chicken & Almonds: (adapted from Rose Bakery)
serves 4

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded thin
1 bunch of asparagus
handful of raw slivered almonds
1/2 cup of red or black seedless grapes, sliced in half (optional)

olive oil
kosher salt & pepper
arugula leaves (enough for 4 people)

Dressing:

big handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
2 small shallots, minced
4 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
1/3 good olive oil
salt & pepper

Whisk dressing ingredients together and set aside.

Toast almonds with a little olive oil (I do mine in the toaster oven) and add to a large bowl.

Trim woody stems from asparagus and steam the spears for 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Asparagus should be al dente and bright green, not mushy. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Cut into 2" diagonal pieces and add to the bowl with the almonds.



Season chicken breasts w/ kosher salt & pepper and either grill on a gas grill or a grill pan (my outdoor grill isn't in business yet). When cool, slice on the diagonal. Add to the bowl.



Gently toss the chicken, asparagus and nuts w/ the dressing, seasoning w/ more salt & pepper.



Serve over arugula leaves and take off that winter coat!

Comments

The JR said…
It looks really good and I luv asparagus.

In order for me to get into a swimsuit, I need to eat swimsuit breakfast, swimsuit lunch and swimsuit supper for a few weeks....
Joanne said…
This has CLOSE to negative calories! Definitely a perfect spring meal!
Tina said…
I have a long way to go before I get into a bathing suit....but I know I am amaking this for dinner tonight!
Anonymous said…
Spring chickens like you got nothing to worry about, I'm sure your bikini ready. 47 the new 27?
Stacey Snacks said…
Don't rush me.
I am 46, not 47!
Kathy Walker said…
This looks perfect. I will enjoy the meal...I doubt that I will go near a swimsuit though.
What's a swimsuit?
The fact that you can get into a swimsuit and look steller, (I remember a picture of you on FB )with all this glorious food you make, I can only say,I want your genes!
Ciao Chow Linda said…
You have nothing to worry about girlie. I'd eat this dish even if I didn't have to face swimsuit season.
Dana said…
I bought a North Face down jacket this fall and fell in love with it. Now I am ready to throw it out on the sidewalk and stomp on it. And all my boots? SO DONE. I may be afraid of what is lurking under my sweaters but I don't care. Sundresses please!
tasteofbeirut said…
you are right! A friend of mine is going on a cleansing diet drinking lemon juice and cayenne pepper and I would much rather have this salad~
Oui, Chef said…
What a delicious way to use some gorgeous spring asparagus. Can't wait to see your bathing suit photos! - S
deb b said…
THIS LOOKS TERRIFIC, AND THAT'S WHATS FOR DINNER TONIGHT. LOVE YOUR SITE STACEY. THANKS FOR ALL THE WORK YOU PUT INTO IT, AND INSPIRING US WHO READ IT.

DEB B.