Sweet and Savory : Balsamic Chicken with Honey Goat Cheese
I hope you’re all doing well and staying cool this summer. I’ve got a delightful recipe to share with you this week that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors while keeping things light and healthy. It’s Balsamic Chicken with Honey Goat Cheese, and it’s been a hit at my house!
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s low in sodium. We all know that too much salt isn’t great for us, but sometimes it feels impossible to create flavorful dishes without it.
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Balsamic Grilled Chicken and Honey Goat Cheese Salad
Equipment
- 1 grill or grill pan
- 1 knife
- 1 Non Stick Skillet 8 inch
Ingredients
Balsamic Grilled Chicken and Honey Goat Cheese Salad
- 2 cups Arugula
- 2 cups Butter Lettuce
- 1 cup Walnuts
- 3 oz Honey Goat Cheese
- 1/2 cup Blueberries
- 2 tbsp Low Sodium Balsamic Vinaigrette See recipe below
- 10 pieces Strawberry & Jalapeno Crisps
- 2 4-6 oz Chicken Breast Boneless – Skinless
Instructions
- Marinade chicken breast for at least 30 min not more than 6 hours.
- Grill or bake chicken at 375 degrees for 20 -30 minutes or until internal temperature is 165 degrees.
- Toast walnuts in a dry pan until warmed through.
- While chicken is cooking mix your greens together and place equal portions in 2 bowls.
- Top greens with equal parts goat cheese. Note: pinch goat cheese into nickel size pieces.
- Toss greens in each bowl with 1 TBSP of the Balsamic Vinaigrette.
- Then add blueberries, goat cheese, chopped walnuts to each bowl.
- Slice each chicken breast and place on top of each salad.
- Break apart 5 Strawberry & Jalapeno Crisps and top the salads.
Nutrition
Will You Miss The Salt?
When I first tried this recipe, I was skeptical. I’m a big fan of bold flavors, and I worried that cutting back on the salt would mean sacrificing taste. But I was pleasantly surprised! The marinade does a fantastic job of infusing the chicken with flavor, and the goat cheese adds just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover goat cheese you might have in the fridge.
Flavor Without Salt
The key to a great low-sodium balsamic vinaigrette is using high-quality ingredients. Start with a good balsamic vinegar and high quality. Trust me, it makes all the difference. Combine that with some Extra Virgin Olive Oil., a bit of mustard powder or Dijon mustard for a touch of tang, and a garlic herb seasoning to round it all out. If you like a little sweetness in your dressing you could add a bit of honey too.
Creating Delicious Variations with Simple Ingredient Swaps
This basic recipe can be altered by just changing a few ingredients.
Instead of balsamic vinegar:
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Wine Vinegar
- Champagne Vinegar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Lemon Juice
- Lime Juice
Instead of garlic herb seasoning
- Oregano
- Italian seasoning
- Greek Seasoning
- Cilantro
Low Sodium Balsamic Vinaigrette
Equipment
- 1 glass jar 16 oz
- 1 knife
- 1 measuring cup 8 oz
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tsp mustard powder
- 3/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tbsp garlic herb seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper ground
Instructions
- Measure olive oil and vinegar in the measuring cup then add to glass jar
- Add in the rest of the ingredients.
- Cover jar with lid and shake until emulsified.
- Use right away or store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Note: you can add additional garlic and change your herbs. Suggestions: cilantro, italian seasoning, or oregano.
Nutrition
Inspiration
I was inspired to make this salad after a trip to Trader Joe’s, as it often happens. They were sampling Trader Joe’s Strawberry & Jalapeno Crisps with Honey Goat Cheese. I loved the combination on their own, but thought is would be awesome in salad. Not only does it allow you enjoy a small amount of a higher sodium ingredient by just having a small amount, it also adds a unique flavor. It elevates a boring weeknight salad to a guest worthy meal.
Conclusion
This dish is also super versatile. You can serve it with a simple side salad, some roasted veggies, or even on a bed of quinoa or rice if you’re feeling a bit hungrier. It’s a hit at dinner parties and equally great for a quick weeknight meal.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something that’s both sweet and savory, give this Balsamic Chicken with Honey Goat Cheese a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
It’s All About Balance,
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