Chicken and Vegetable Salad with Lentils

This Chicken and Vegetable Salad with Lentils is a wholesome and vibrant dish, combining tender chicken breast with nutrient-rich vegetables and protein-packed lentils. It's a refreshing and satisfying lunch option that is both healthy and delicious.

Chicken and Vegetable Salad with Lentils
30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
American
450 kcal

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast - 200 grams
  • Lentils (cooked) - 1 cup
  • Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup, halved
  • Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
  • Bell pepper (any color) - 1 medium, diced
  • Red onion - 1/4 medium, thinly sliced
  • Spinach - 2 cups, fresh
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
  • Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Feta cheese (optional) - 50 grams, crumbled

Steps

  1. Cook the chicken breast in a skillet over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the lentils if they are not pre-cooked and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and spinach.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
  6. Add the sliced chicken to the salad mixture and drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Carbs: 40 g
  • Fiber: 12 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

  • High in protein, which helps in muscle repair and growth.
  • Rich in fiber from lentils and vegetables, promoting digestive health.

Tags

AmericanHealthyLunch