Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Salad

Grilled chicken and vegetable salad is a tasty and balanced dish, perfect for a light and nutritious meal. Here is how to prepare it with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 zucchini
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 eggplant
• Arugula or mixed salad to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper as needed
• Herbs of choice (rosemary, thyme, basil)
• Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 clove of garlic
• Parmesan shavings (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by washing and slicing the vegetables into pieces about half a centimeter thick. Brush them with a little oil, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs.
2. Grill the vegetables on a hot grill or a griddle, turning them once they have the classic grill marks. Then set them aside.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, a drizzle of oil, and crushed garlic clove. Grill the chicken too until it’s fully cooked, taking care not to dry it out.
4. Once ready, let the chicken rest for a few minutes and then cut it into slices or cubes.
5. In a large bowl, combine arugula or mixed salad, grilled vegetables, and chicken.
6. Dress the salad with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
7. If desired, add Parmesan shavings for an extra touch of flavor.
8. Gently mix everything and serve the grilled chicken and vegetable salad immediately.

Fun Fact

In Italy, the addition of cheese such as Parmesan can elevate a simple dish of vegetables to a more sophisticated and satisfying recipe, providing a pleasant contrast of flavors between the sweetness, umami, and bitter notes of the grilled vegetables and the meat.