Roast Chicken and Crunchy Salad: A Simple and Healthy Recipe for a Light Dinner
This recipe for roast chicken with crunchy salad is perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner! The roast chicken is cooked so that it remains juicy and tender, with a golden, aromatic crust obtained from a delicious blend of spices. Alongside this savory chicken, the crunchy salad adds freshness and texture, perfectly balancing the flavors.
In the salad recipe, you’ll find fresh vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and carrot, all seasoned with a light and aromatic dressing. Together, the chicken and salad form a healthy and nutritious combination, ideal for those who want a balanced yet quick-to-prepare meal.
This recipe for roast chicken and crunchy salad is also easy to customize: you can add sesame seeds, croutons, or even a little feta cheese for extra flavor. Try it out and enjoy a delicious dinner that will quickly become a family favorite!
Recipe for Roast Chicken and Crunchy Salad
Ingredients:
For the Roast Chicken:
2 chicken breasts (or chicken thighs, if preferred)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or hot, depending on preference)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
For the Crunchy Salad:
1 head of lettuce (romaine or butterhead)
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
10–12 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 carrot, grated or thinly sliced into strips
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
2–3 radishes, thinly sliced (optional)
Croutons (optional)
Dressing for the Salad:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Roast Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
Rub the chicken pieces with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture over them, making sure they are evenly coated.
Place the chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until golden and tender. Turn the chicken halfway through cooking to brown evenly.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Preparing the Crunchy Salad:
Wash and dry the lettuce leaves well, then tear them into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, add the lettuce, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, grated carrot, red bell pepper, and radishes if using.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste and whisk until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently. Add croutons if you want extra crunch.
Serving: Serve the roast chicken alongside the crunchy salad, enjoying a healthy and flavorful meal. This combination of aromas and textures will bring a burst of freshness in every bite!
Why is roast chicken a healthy choice for dinner? Roast chicken is an excellent source of protein, containing little fat when prepared without skin or with minimal oil. Baking in the oven preserves nutrients while avoiding the excess oil used in frying. Combined with salad, it provides a balanced and nutritious meal.
How do you achieve roast chicken with a crispy crust and juicy interior? To get a golden crust, the chicken should be well dried before seasoning. Olive oil helps the spices adhere evenly, and roasting at a high temperature allows exterior caramelization while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
What seasonings work best for roast chicken? A classic mix includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, sweet or hot paprika, thyme, and rosemary. These balance the flavors and add depth to the taste without overwhelming the delicate nature of chicken.
What are the benefits of adding a crunchy salad to the dinner menu? A crunchy salad adds freshness, fiber, and a variety of vitamins, supporting easy digestion. The crisp texture and balanced dressing complement the richness of roast chicken, creating a harmonious combination of flavors and textures.
How can you adapt the salad to suit everyone’s preferences? The salad can be customized by adding feta cheese, sesame seeds, avocado, or croutons. For a more filling option, you can include boiled eggs or thinly sliced chicken breast. Ingredients can be adjusted according to dietary preferences.
Why is it important to prepare the dressing separately from the salad? Dressing added too early can soften the lettuce leaves, causing them to lose their crunch. Preparing and adding it right before serving preserves the freshness of the ingredients and the intensity of the flavors.
What other vegetables can be added to the crunchy salad? Besides cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and carrot, you can add celery, green onion, thinly sliced asparagus, or even steamed green beans for extra color and flavor variety.
How can you make this recipe more filling without compromising health? Adding a small portion of quinoa, couscous, or boiled chickpeas to the salad increases the protein and fiber content without adding unhealthy fats. This makes it ideal for a complete and nourishing dinner.
What drinks pair well with this light dinner? Fresh lemonade, a glass of dry white wine, or water infused with mint and citrus pair perfectly. They complement the flavors of the dishes and add a refreshing touch to the meal.
How can you transform this recipe into a suitable lunch dish? The roast chicken and salad can be turned into a wrap or a heartier salad. Cut the chicken into small pieces and wrap it together with the salad in a whole wheat tortilla, or add a portion of brown rice for a more satisfying meal.
