With Chicken
***Or Vegan (yes, it IS possible) modification included***
Last week, I shared some delicious garden-fresh recipes. There are many other ingredients at their prime right now, and summer is still singing for lightness of spirit and appetite. I'm delighted to share one of my summer favorites, my Tarragon Chicken Summer Salad! With the delicious blend of blueberries, almonds and fresh tarragon, this meal is a quick lunch or dinner to satiate your appetite and your senses! And if you're following a vegan diet, this can easily become a Tarragon White Bean Summer Salad!! I first made this recipe when a friend was following Whole 30 and wanted a simple lunch option for her bachelorette crew - everyone LOVED it!
This recipe calls for Ras el Hanout, a traditional North African spice blend which includes cardamom, cinnamon, clove, allspice, turmeric – it’s a deceptively sweet medley without any sugar! For a simpler flavor profile, marinate the chicken in a little olive oil, red wine vinegar, light onion powder and fresh tarragon for 2-6 hours before cooking.
***For a vegan option, pre-cook cannellini white beans and then saute them in the Ras el Hanout seasoning - SO YUMMY!!
I use a prepared dressing here because it saves times and is a product I trust, made with simple, whole ingredients. You could prepare your own dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, sugar free ground mustard, fresh tarragon, salt, pepper. The ingredients and recipe are included at the bottom of the post. ***If you're following a vegan diet, be sure to use this homemade dressing which does not include eggs.
As I mentioned, for anyone following the Whole 30 diet and/or looking to eat cleanly without gluten, dairy, soy or added sugar, this is a winner!
All my recipes are always gluten free and dairy free, and any other common allergens are called out below. I will also always list the highest quality ingredients. These reflect sustainable agricultural practices with organic conditions free of toxic chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, GMOs. Any recipe may be adapted to what you have available and will be equally delicious!
Allergens
· Chives & garlic (nightshade) in packaged dressing
· Garlic (in chicken preparation
· Eggs (in packaged dressing)
· Almonds
Ingredients - serves 4
Preparation - 20 mins
Salad Preparation
Housemade Dressing - Vegan
Voila! Bon Appetit! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
By Jen Rizza, Founder of Newtown Wellness Collective, avid foodie, Reiki Master, Yoga Teacher and Healthy Living Advocate