Are you tired of boring, predictable salads that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Prepare to have your taste buds awakened by the ultimate culinary mashup - the Chicken Beef Pastrami Salad! This isn't just another green dish; it's a gastronomic adventure that combines tender shredded chicken, savory beef pastrami, and crisp fresh vegetables in a dance of flavors that will make your lunch break the highlight of your day. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup beef pastrami, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the mixed greens thoroughly and spinning or patting dry to remove excess moisture.
- If the chicken is not already cooked, quickly grill or pan-sear chicken breast until fully cooked, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Slice the beef pastrami into thin, delicate strips, ensuring even cutting for consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion into delicate rings. Dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as the base layer, creating an even foundation for the other ingredients.
- Artfully arrange the shredded chicken, sliced pastrami, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber over the greens.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette evenly over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Gently toss the salad to distribute the dressing and mix the ingredients without bruising the greens.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and crispest textures of the salad.
Tips
- Always ensure your greens are completely dry to prevent a soggy salad. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels.
- For maximum flavor, slightly warm the pastrami before adding to the salad to enhance its smoky taste.
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of ingredients.
- Let the vinaigrette sit for 5 minutes before dressing to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the crisp texture of the greens and prevent wilting.
- For added protein, consider toasting some nuts or adding a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- Experiment with different vinegars like red wine or apple cider vinegar for varied flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
