Goat Cheese/Chicken Tenders and Pomegranate Salad

Looking for an awesome winter salad to enjoy? You have just found it! When my daughter was here over the holidays she found this recipe and prepared it for all of us. Yes, my daughter is a great cook and loves to entertain (wonder who taught her the JOY of cooking). I encourage you to try this salad and I’m sure you will love it as much as we did!

In case your mind is taking you to: cheese, fried, oil, salad dressing with oil, bread crumbs how on earth can this be healthy? Let me remind you of the portions…..less than 2oz. of cheese, you’re not drinking the oil, salad dressing is drizzled not ‘poured’ on your salad and the bread crumbs would equate to less than a slice of bread, the chicken is baked. Nutrient rich dark greens, pomegranate  rubies, small amount of orange juice, pine nuts and protein from the cheese and chicken.

PLEASE allow yourself the pleasure of enjoying a healthy awesome meal with no regrets!   Carol Banister

 
Goat Cheese/Chicken Tenders and Pomegranate Salad


GOAT CHEESE ingredients:

10 oz. goat cheese
1 c. flour
2 eggs beaten
2 c. Panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil for frying
Slice goat cheese into 1 “ rounds. Coat, each round first in the flour, then in the beaten egg and finally in the breadcrumbs.
Fry in the hot oil until golden brown.
Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen towel.

CHICKEN TENDERS ingredients:
Preheat oven to 375 deg.

1 ½ lb chicken tenders
1 ½ c flour
2 eggs beaten
¼ c. milk
2 c. Panko bread crumbs
Salt and pepper
Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
Beat eggs with milk.
Dredge chicken tenders through flour, (shake off any excess flour), then through egg mixture, then through bread crumbs.
Place chicken tenders onto a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, approximately 12-15 minutes.
Cut tenders into bite size chunks.

SALAD ingredients:

1 c. pomegranate rubies
4 oz. pine nuts, toasted
Salad greens – use dark colored greens for more nutrients

DRESSING ingredients:

1/3 c. orange juice
1 tsp. orange zest
½ c. olive oil
2 TLB sugar
¼ tsp. ground cloves
Pinch of sea salt
2 Tlb red wine vinegar mixed with ½ Tlb. Honey
Mix all ingredients together, shake to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

On dinner plate place salad greens, 2 rounds of goat cheese, 2-3 oz. baked chicken pieces, sprinkle pomegranate rubies and pine nuts over the top. Drizzle with dressing—VOILA —- a beautiful awesome winter salad!

THIS vs. THAT

 
Making healthy choices can be a challenge. Here are just a few facts on foods that may taste better, but not be the best choice.
 
 
Grilled vs. Fried Chicken
Roasted or grilled chicken is a better choice than fried or breaded chicken because it is lower in calories and fat.
 
Wheat vs. White Pasta
Whole wheat pasta, like whole wheat bread, has soluble fiber, which may help lower cholesterol. There is a possibility it may help you stay full longer.
Sweet vs. White Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a better nutritional choice than white potatoes because they have a lower glycemic index, which means the effect on blood sugar is slower. Sweet potatoes also contain beta-carotene and Vitamin A.
Posted by: SSG