Pistachio-Crusted Chicken Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Pistachio-Crusted Chicken Salad featuring tender chicken breasts coated in finely ground pistachios for a crunchy texture. Served over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce and topped with a creamy avocado lime dressing, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, this dish is full of flavor and colorful ingredients that make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Enjoy this recipe that aligns with South Beach diet principles while sharing it with family and friends for a delightful meal!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
pistachio nuts
1/2 cup (shelled and finely ground)
salt
3/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground (plus a pinch))
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4
extra virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons
sweet white onion
1/2 cup (diced)
romaine lettuce
1 head
sweet white onion
1 teaspoon (grated)
large avocado
1 (pitted and peeled)
fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons
water
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a shallow dish, combine the finely ground pistachios with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.
3
Take the chicken breast halves and press them firmly into the pistachio mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly.
4
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 2 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
5
Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the internal thermometer reads 160°F (70°C) and the juices run clear.
6
Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the diced sweet white onion along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of pepper. Sauté until the onion is nicely browned and caramelized.
7
As the chicken bakes, prepare the dressing. In a blender, combine the grated sweet white onion, avocado, remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, fresh lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.
8
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
9
To serve, line four plates with chopped romaine lettuce. Arrange one sliced chicken breast on top of the lettuce on each plate and drizzle with the creamy avocado lime dressing. Garnish with additional pistachios if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pistachio-Crusted Chicken Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring chicken breasts coated in ground pistachios, served over romaine lettuce with a creamy avocado lime dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What oven temperature is required for the chicken?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How should the pistachio nuts be prepared?
The pistachios should be shelled and finely ground before being used as a coating.
What is the internal temperature goal for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
How long does it take to bake the chicken?
After searing, the chicken takes approximately 15 minutes to bake in the oven.
What ingredients are in the avocado lime dressing?
The dressing contains grated sweet white onion, avocado, olive oil, fresh lime juice, and water.
How do I prepare the onion for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of grated sweet white onion to be blended into the dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for the South Beach diet?
Yes, this recipe aligns with South Beach diet principles.
What type of lettuce is recommended for the base?
One head of romaine lettuce, chopped, is used as the base for the salad.
How do I sear the pistachio-crusted chicken?
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this recipe is gluten-free.
How do I caramelize the onions for this recipe?
Sauté diced sweet white onion in olive oil over high heat with salt and pepper until nicely browned.
Can I make this salad for lunch?
Yes, it is a healthy and satisfying option for both lunch and dinner.
Should the chicken rest before slicing?
Yes, you should let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to ensure it stays juicy.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies extra virgin olive oil.
How many tablespoons of olive oil are needed in total?
A total of 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used across the chicken, onions, and dressing.
Is there any water in the dressing?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of water is added to the blender to help reach the desired dressing consistency.
What seasonings are used for the pistachio coating?
The ground pistachios are mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
How do I ensure the pistachio crust sticks to the chicken?
Press the chicken breast halves firmly into the pistachio mixture to coat them evenly.
What is the prep for the avocado in the dressing?
One large avocado should be pitted and peeled before being added to the blender.
Can I add a garnish to this salad?
Yes, you can garnish the finished plates with additional pistachios if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
Sweet white onion is recommended for both sautéing and the dressing.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
Yes, this is a low carb recipe suitable for many healthy eating plans.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté them until they are nicely browned and caramelized while the chicken is baking.
What equipment is needed for the dressing?
A blender is required to combine the ingredients into a smooth and creamy dressing.
Is the lime juice fresh or bottled?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
How much black pepper is used in total?
1/2 teaspoon is used in the crust, plus an additional pinch for the sautéed onions.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as salad, chicken salad, pistachio, healthy, low carb, and South Beach diet.