Salad With Garlic Lime Chicken and Goat Cheese

There are times where I want nothing more than a big, juicy steak, a loaded baked potatoe, garlic bread and then throw a salad in there for good measure.  But, then there are times when I want a big green salad loaded with fresh veggies and sometimes a piece of grilled or baked chicken.  Lately I’ve been having more of those salad craving times than steak cravings.  I guess I’m in need of some leafy greens!

Now, while I love a plain ol’ salad with some delicious dressing, there are times where I try to dress things up and put a new spin on things.  That spin can involve something as small as a new topping; like sliced pecans, almonds, or various types of fruit or something as big as chicken or maybe even steak.  Just something that kind of livens things up, and gives us a change from the same ol’ same ol’.   

This salad is incredibly simple but huge on flavor.  The chicken is incredibly moist and full of so much flavor; the garlic, salt, and pepper add so much and I mean those classic flavors that are amazing.  And then the lime juice adds the perfect amount of tartness.  The flavor from the chicken compliments the fresh mixed greens, tomatoes and the tangy goat cheese.  I then topped this with my creamy avocado dressing, which really pulls all the flavors together and makes for a delicious, flavorful and healthy meal that is completely satisfying.      

Salad with Garlic Lime Chicken and Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

For the baked chicken-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Clove garlic, minced
Juice from a lime
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 Tsp onion powder

For the salad-
6 Oz mixed greens
1/2 Cup grape tomatoes, halved
3-4 Tbsp crumbled goat cheese
Creamy avocado dressing, for serving

Directions:

Combine garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and onion powder in a small bowl and whisk to combine.  Place chicken in a bag and add the marinade, seal the bag and rotate chicken to coat.  Place in the refrigerator and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350.

Spray a rimmed baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.  Place chicken in the prepared baking dish and place in oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until juices run clear.  Remove from oven and allow, tent with foil and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes.  Slice chicken.

To assemble-
Divide lettuce evenly on two plates.  Place the sliced chicken on the lettuce and evenly divide the tomatoes and goat cheese between the two plates.  Top with dressing and enjoy.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original