Spinach and chicken salad with maple vinaigrette

A bowl brimming with goodness!

I adore spinach in salads but of course you can use your favourite baby lettuce mixture if you prefer. Additional “add ins” that would go well include blueberries, sliced mushrooms, toasted walnut pieces or sliced mango. To speed things up at serving time, all ingredients can be prepped and refrigerated up to 8 hours in advance. If the dressing solidifies, place the jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes then shake before drizzling. If you love spinach salads with protein, you may wish to check out my spinach and strawberry salad recipe; its a healthier take on a classic 1980s restaurant staple.

Ingredients

Vinaigrette

• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) Dijon
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil
• Few pinches salt and pepper

Salad

• 1 medium or large boneless skinless chicken breast, grilled or baked *
• 4 cups (120 g) baby spinach leaves
• 2 small Persian or Lebanese cucumbers, sliced
• 1 cup (155 g) grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 orange or yellow pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup (120 g) crumbled feta cheese
• Few pinches salt and pepper

*I love cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer. I marinate them in a 2:1 mixture of olive oil and lemon juice plus a little salt and pepper for 30 minutes then air fry at 400F for about 12-15 minutes, or until thickest part of chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

Method

• Make the vinaigrette by placing the maple syrup, Dijon, vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper in a small jar with a tight lid; shake to blend well and set aside.
• Thinly slice the chicken breast into small pieces.
• Divide the spinach among two broad bowls. Scatter chicken, cucumbers tomatoes and peppers over top, dividing between the two bowls. Shake vinaigrette again then drizzle half over each bowl; toss gently to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle with feta plus a little salt and pepper then serve immediately.

Makes 2 salads; recipe can easily be multiplied.