Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than Hudson's Maurice Salad! This vibrant salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or a refreshing side dish. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking that’s both healthy and delicious. This easy recipe is packed with nutrients and ready in under 20 minutes, making it one of the best recipes for busy weeknights. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 4 oz grilled chicken breast, sliced (or chickpeas for a vegetarian option)
For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, dill, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This simple vinaigrette is the key to the salad's amazing flavor.
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Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
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Add Protein: Gently toss in the sliced grilled chicken breast (or chickpeas).
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Dress the Salad: Pour the lemon-herb vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Avoid over-mixing, as you want to preserve the freshness of the greens.
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Serve Immediately: Enjoy your refreshing and healthy Hudson's Maurice Salad! It's best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.
Tips & Variations:
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Make it Ahead: You can prepare the vinaigrette and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Store them separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
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Add Some Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add a delightful crunch to this already delicious salad.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a little kick.
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Protein Power: Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for variety. Hard-boiled eggs also make a great addition.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without chicken):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
This easy and healthy recipe is perfect for those seeking delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas. The combination of fresh ingredients and a zesty vinaigrette creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, Hudson's Maurice Salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. It's a great example of how simple, homemade cooking can be both healthy and incredibly satisfying.