It’s hot here this week. Today it’s above 80, which is way warmer than usual for April. My allergies are out of control; the pollen count is something insane (like 4000 when it is usually about 150 here). The thought of eating a hot meal today is totally unappealing so it made me think of one of my favorite, super-simple warm-weather meals. Consider this a preview of things to come from me this summer!
I love that this makes a big batch so we can have it for dinner and then I can have it for lunch throughout the week. It keeps beautifully in the fridge because the vegetables in it hold up well. For those of you looking for easy make-ahead options, add this one to your files! You’ll be so glad you did.
When I make this, I often serve it with homemade hummus and some whole wheat pita to round out the meal. If you try this, I’d love to know what you think and what you decide to serve with it!
Lemon Chicken and Spring Vegetable Salad
adapted from the Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Serves 8
2 lbs grilled lemon chicken (See below – must make ahead of salad)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cups raw sugar snap peas, strings and ends removed
1 cup each red and yellow peppers, julienned
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
After the chicken has been grilled, chill in refrigerator. Slice chicken diagonally into 3/8 inch slices. Toss in a bowl with their juices plus the rest of the ingredients above. Taste for seasoning, adjust, and serve cold or at room temperature.
Grilled Lemon Chicken
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. minced fresh thyme
Whisk together all ingredients except chicken in a small bowl. Pour over chicken breasts into a non-reactive container. Cover and marinate 6 hours in refrigerator (or overnight).
Remove chicken breasts from marinade and pat dry. Grill over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Cool slightly before cutting.
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