A Taste of Sonoma – Sonoma Chicken Salad
Growing up in the small, charming town of Sonoma, California I have always been used to having the perfect combination of flavors and experiences thanks to the environs cuisine. This is particularly the case with my Sonoma Chicken Salad, a dish that I have proudly enjoyed with friends and family for years.
This dish takes its flavors from the Mediterranean climate of the area and is a fusion of both familiar tastes and unique herbs and vegetables. The vibrant vinaigrette amps up the flavors in the salad, and its ease of preparation makes it a favorite for summer picnics and gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 3/4 cup of diced cucumber
– 2/3 cup of diced celery
– 1/4 cup of minced red onion
– 2 tablespoons capers
– 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
– 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of freshly minced garlic
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cucumber, celery, red onion, capers and parsley.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar and garlic.
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and stir to combine.
6. Once chicken is cooked, let cool and then dice into small pieces and add to the salad.
7. Top with freshly ground black pepper and serve.
I love that this Sonoma Chicken Salad captures the vibrancy of Mediterranean flavors and is a great way to celebrate the best of Mediterranean climates and flavors. Plus, the unique combination of fresh vegetables, capers and a light vinaigrette are full of surprises. It pleases the taste buds and the soul, evoking the love and appreciation I have for this beloved town of mine.
If you’re looking for a way to combine the classic flavors of the Mediterranean and a modern spin, this Sonoma Chicken Salad is just the dish you need. For that extra burst of flavor, you could even serve it chilled and sprinkled with feta – it’s quite delightful! And, of course, feel free to play around with the ingredients a little bit to make it unique to your own taste.
Happy eating!