Looking for something to spice up your salad game? This Peruvian Chicken & Green Sauce Salad is my take on the classic South American dish.
Traveling Taste Buds
If you haven’t realized this already, I love trying cuisines from other countries. One of my favorite parts of traveling is indulging in that culture’s food. I adore learning how other countries embellish their recipes. From rare spices to unique peppers and produce, it is eye opening how different cooking can be in other countries. It’s easy for me to say that the Hispanic food culture is probably my favorite, with the Mediterranean diet following in close second. With that said, I love recreating cultural meals to allow those in the States to experience the flavors of the world (without leaving their kitchen).
Spice Things Up a Bit
Spices are super important. They can turn a boring recipe into a dish filled with fun, flavor. They can bring life to any “healthy” recipe, without adding negative nutrients or empty calories. For this reason, I am a big advocate for investing in quality spices that make your taste buds happy. As for salt, I didn’t really think there could be a difference in flavor between inexpensive and “fancy” salt. I did switch to sea salt, but it was more for the health benefits it provides. Boy was I wrong. I was fortunate enough to learn about the amazing Hamptons Salt Company, and how much better salt tastes if it is of good quality. They were kind enough to send me several salts to try and I was blown away. I tried their Artisan Finishing Sea Salt on top of this salad, and perfection! I’m never settling again.
Protein Anyone?
Not a fan of chicken? No problem! Try substituting it for another protein source. The salad would taste yummy with just the veggies and green sauce, but you would be lacking some serious protein. Adding some kind of protein with ensure you stay full longer, which reduces the chance of binge eating. Some protein swaps could include shrimp, fish, tofu, or even chickpeas! Just take the spices that are mentioned in the recipe and coat them on your protein of choice. Voila!
Peruvian Chicken & Green Sauce Salad
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
For the Salad
- 1/2 head Romaine lettuce
- 1/2 head butter lettuce
- 1 cup fresh pico de gallo recipe and ingredients linked!
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 tsp Hamptons Artisan Finishing Sea Salt
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeno no seeds
- 3/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 T extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 lime
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a frying pan on med-high heat for 1 minute
- Coat the chicken on both sides with a mix of the spices
- Fry until fully cooked, to 160F internally
- While the chicken is cooking, wash and prepare the lettuce, combining both types and separating into two bowls
- Prepare the Pico de Gallo and split between the salads
- In a blender or food processor, blend the sauce ingredients, occasionally scraping down the sides to ensure everything gets pureed
- Drizzle the sauce over the salads and enjoy!
Nutrition
Check Out the Other Salads!
Looking for the rest of the Summer of Salads recipes? Click the links below! Subscribe today to get the recipes emailed to you weekly!
Easy and Healthy Classic Italian
Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Avocado
Strawberry, Pecan, & Goat Cheese
All images and text ©Alexis Stambaugh for Passport Flavor™
I'm a 20-something foodie with a passion for travel. As a self taught chef, I believe food is what brings us together. When I'm not in my kitchen creating recipes, I love connecting with people as I experience cuisines from other cultures. Come join me on my culinary and travel adventures!
Very delicious salad! The Peruvian green sauce makes a great salad dressing.
Thank you! I agree. The sauce is the best part!