Toss Your Usual Salad for This Sweet and Crunchy Stand-In

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.

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups torn romaine lettuce
1 medium papaya (about 1 1/2 cups), halved, seeded, peeled and cubed
1 cup red pepper strips (about 1 large pepper)
2 scallions, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. honey
1 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 pecan halves, toasted

Instructions:

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