Name: Fresh Garden Salad with Shredded Lemon-Herb Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 8 cups mixed garden greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 large cucumber, sliced; 1/2 red onion, shaved; 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds; 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Quick Summary

A balanced, high-protein meal featuring crisp vegetables and lemon-poached shredded chicken. Perfect for a quick, nutrient-dense lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

The Salad

8 cups mixed garden greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly shaved
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

The Chicken & Dressing

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Sea salt and cracked pepper

Method

1. Prepare the greens. Wash and dry your lettuce thoroughly to ensure the dressing clings to the leaves rather than sliding off.
2. Shred the chicken. Use two forks to pull the cooked breasts into bite-sized pieces while still slightly warm.
3. Emulsify the dressing. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
4. Assemble. Toss the vegetables and chicken together, drizzle with dressing, and top with pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Stewart's Secret

Always season your shredded chicken while it is warm. It absorbs the lemon juice and salt much more effectively, giving the protein a flavor boost that carries the whole salad.

Nutrition Snapshot

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Protein	38g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	12g

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

What if I don't have pumpkin seeds?

Toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds work beautifully as a replacement.

Is this dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free.

Fresh Garden Salad with Shredded Lemon-Herb Chicken

The Story

1Ingredients

2Instructions

Quick Summary

Ingredients

The Salad

The Chicken & Dressing

Method

Stewart's Secret

Nutrition Snapshot

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

What if I don't have pumpkin seeds?

Is this dairy-free?

Nutrition Information

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Stewart Lucas

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