recipe: the best salad ever

Introducing a salad that truly lives up to the name of this blog post! This vibrant and hearty dish combines fresh greens, succulent chicken, creamy avocado, sweet roasted beets, tangy goat cheese, and toasted pecans, all brought together with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It's not just a side dish; it's a satisfying meal that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

Salad:

• 2 cups mixed greens (romaine and spring mix)

• 3 oz (85g) rotisserie chicken, shredded

• 1/2 small tomato, chopped

• 1/3 ripe avocado, diced

• 1/4 large roasted beet, chopped (see roasting instructions below)

• Thin slices of red onion, to taste

• 1 to 1.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled

• 2 tbsp toasted pecans (see toasting instructions below)

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Beets

• Preheat your oven to 400°F

• Wash and scrub the beets; trim the tops and bottoms.

• Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet.

• Roast for 30-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

• Allow to cool, then peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

• Preheat your oven's broiler.

• Toss pecans with a small amount of coconut or olive oil and a pinch of salt (and a sprinkle of granular sweetener if desired).

• Spread pecans on a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

• Remove from oven and let cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded chicken, chopped tomato, diced avocado, roasted beet pieces, and red onion slices.

Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Top with crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans.

Step 5: Serve

• Transfer the salad to a serving plate or enjoy directly from the bowl.

• Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and contrasting textures.

This salad is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to adjust the ingredients or dressing to your taste.

Whether you're looking for a nutritious lunch or a light dinner, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Recipe inspired by Mouthwatering Motivation's "The Best Salad I've Ever Eaten."