Welcome to today’s recipe for Crispy Chicken Tender Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing. Before we dive in, just a quick reminder that each of our recipes comes with a difficulty level indicator to help you find the perfect match for your kitchen skills. If you’re curious about what each level means, be sure to check out our handy guide [here]. Now, let’s get cooking!
Get ready for a simple and flavorful dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent – Crispy Chicken Tender Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing. We’re taking a beloved classic, crispy fried chicken, and giving it a nutritious twist that’ll have you coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
But that’s not all – we’re taking this salad to the next level by loading it up with an array of fresh, vibrant vegetables and greens. Picture this: crisp mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, sweet bell peppers, and vibrant carrots, all coming together to create a symphony of colors and textures on your plate. And let’s not forget about the fragrant basil leaves, adding a burst of aromatic freshness to every bite.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the lemon basil dressing. Tangy, zesty, and herbaceous, this dressing is the perfect accompaniment to our baked “fried” chicken and garden-fresh veggies. Made with olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a touch of honey for sweetness, minced garlic, and chopped basil leaves, this dressing elevates the flavors of the salad to new heights.
Why this dish is a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken.
We’re swapping out traditional deep-frying for baking, which means we’re cutting down on excess oils and fats without sacrificing any of that delicious crunch. By baking the chicken tenders instead of frying them, we significantly reduce the amount of added fats and calories without sacrificing on taste or texture. Plus, baking allows the chicken to retain more of its natural juices and flavors, resulting in tender and succulent bites every time.
And here’s the best part – this salad is completely customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, or just looking to pack more nutrients into your meals, this recipe has got you covered. Simply omit the chicken for a vegetarian option. Swap out the vegetables for your favorites or adjust the seasoning to your taste. And for those with gluten sensitivities, simply use ALEIA’s Gluten Free Italian breadcrumbs and Fresh Gourmet Specialty Croutons | Organic Seasoned to make this dish gluten-free-friendly.
This recipe is not only bursting with flavor but also loaded with healthy vegetables and greens, making it a guilt-free indulgence you’ll want to enjoy time and time again.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free option: use ALEIA’s Gluten Free Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens (e.g., spring mix, spinach, arugula, kale)
- Assorted vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots)
- Seasoned Croutons, try Fresh Gourmet Specialty Croutons | Organic Seasoned
- Fresh basil leaves
For the Lemon Basil Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the salad by tossing together mixed greens, assorted vegetables, and fresh basil leaves in a large bowl.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, chopped basil leaves, salt, and pepper to make the Lemon Basil Dressing.
- Once the chicken tenders are done, let them cool slightly before adding them to the salad.
- Drizzle the Lemon Basil Dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Finish it off with a few Fresh Gourmet Specialty Croutons | Organic Seasoned.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
This recipe serves approximately 4 people and can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
So why wait? Let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to whip up a salad that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. With its crispy chicken tenders, vibrant veggies, and zesty dressing, this Crispy Chicken Tender Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing is sure to become a favorite.
Crispy Chicken Tender Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup Gluten Free breadcrumbs Swap for Non Gluten Free
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens e.g., romaine, spring mix, spinach, arugula, kale
- Assorted vegetables e.g., cherry tomatoes, radishes, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots
- Fresh basil leaves
For the Lemon Basil Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup for vegan option
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Handful of fresh basil leaves chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the salad by tossing together mixed greens, assorted vegetables, and fresh basil leaves in a large bowl.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, chopped basil leaves, salt, and pepper to make the Lemon Basil Dressing.
- Once the chicken tenders are done, let them cool slightly before adding them to the salad.
- Drizzle the Lemon Basil Dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
