Grilled Chicken Mint Salad with Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

This grilled chicken salad was inspired by my favorite salad at La Duni Restaurant, the Pollo Asado a la Menta Limon.  I forgot about the onions on the side and the guacamole, both of which are superb additions.  I think La Duni puts the mint in the salad dressing, but I minced it and mixed it with my salad greens.  The lemon brightens the balsamic and adds a fresh element to the taste.  Make sure you smell your lemons before purchase, there have been so many sub-par lemons this year!  A perfect lemon should smell crisp and neutral.  A lemon past its prime will have a cloying scent.

When cooking chicken, my 2 most essential tips are 1) let the chicken rest out of the fridge anywhere from 30 min to an hour before cooking if you can and 2) let the chicken rest again at least 15 minutes after cooking before cutting to let the juices redistribute.  A grill pan is fabulous option, but if you don’t have one, a skillet will work.  Always preheat your pan dry, then add any oil to warm, place chicken, then LEAVE IT ALONE!  Chicken will turn without any sticking once it is ready, try to turn to early, that’s when chicken will stick to your pan.

Grilled Chicken Mint Salad Recipe with Lemon Balsamic Dressing Recipe

Serves 4

white corn tortillas

canola oil

finely ground salt

3.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice (the amount from 1 good lemon)

4 tbsp balsamic vinegar

9 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp granulated garlic

1/2 tsp granulated onion

15 shakes ground mustard

1/2 tsp Murray River salt or other flake salt

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts

olive oil

kosher salt

fresh ground pepper

paprika

2 tomatoes

fresh mint, minced

8 oz mixed salad greens

queso fresco

Cut corn tortillas into very thin strips, then in half.  Heat canola oil to 375 degrees, then fry in small batches removing using a slotted spoon.  Let rest on a plate covered in paper towels and salt immediately.

In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, combine lemon juice, balsamic, olive oil, garlic, onion, mustard, and salt. Whisk dressing to combine, then set aside.

Pound chicken breasts with a kitchen mallet to thin.  Season with an even sprinkling of kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, and paprika.  If you have time – let rest out of the fridge for 30 min to 1 hour before grilling.  Heat a grill pan over medium high heat.  Add a few swirls of olive oil and turn grill pan to coat surface.  Place chicken on heated grill pan.  Cook until all edges are opaque, then flip.  If chicken sticks to pan at all, it is not ready to flip.  Cook an additional 3-4 minutes on second side depending on thickness.  Move to a cutting board to rest.

Dice tomatoes and lightly salt.  In a large bowl, combine mixed salad greens, mint, and tomatoes. Slice chicken into very thin strips, then add to salad greens.   Pour dressing over, then toss with tongs.  Plate salad, then top with tortilla strips.  Use a fork to top each salad with queso fresco.

Enjoy!