Salad With Roast Chicken and a Blackberry Vinaigrette Recipe

"I developed this recipe, when I came up with my 'Blackberry Vinaigrette,' Recipezazz #recipe12725 and, I had some leftover chicken breast. Figured it would be good with the vinaigrette - hence, the creation of the salad. It's a simple salad; but, full of flavor - and, a perfect summer salad too. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Add a bowl of soup, fresh bread - and, you have dinner. Note: Cooking time including roasting your own chicken vs using a rotisserie."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Chicken ... You could always use a rotisserie chicken for this; me, I prefer to roast my own. A simple drizzle of olive oil, lemon pepper, thyme, and salt. Bake in a 350 degree oven, for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown; and, the internal temperature is 160-165 degrees. Remove from the oven, cover; and let it cool. Then, remove the chicken from the bone, and dice. You could always use boneless skinless; but, I prefer bone in and skin on; you get so much more flavor.

Step 2

Dressing ... This also can be made ahead of time; in fact, it is better made in advance. Add everything except the olive oil to a blender or food processor and pulse until you get a smooth consistency. Slowly add the olive oil, and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl, mason jar, or tupperware type container, and refrigerate.

Step 3

Salad ... In a large bowl, add the greens - I like a mix of red leaf, bibb, baby arugula, and watercress; but, use what is in season, and your favorites. Also, add the cucumber, red onion, half of the walnuts, fresh black berries, chicken, a bit of the vinaigrette/dressing; and, toss to combine.

Step 4

Serve and ENJOY! ... Finish with the remaining walnuts and goat cheese. A perfect summer salad. Simply serve either individually; or, family style. This will make 4-8 salads depending on what else you serve with this. Add a bowl of chilled melon soup, and homemade dinner rolls or bread for a light dinner.