Chicken Florentine Salad

When I think of a dish that captures the essence of spring, Chicken Florentine Salad comes to mind. It’s vibrant, fresh, and absolutely full of life. I remember the first time I made this salad; the sun was shining, and I wanted something that felt light yet satisfying. I stumbled upon this recipe, and boy, was I glad I did! It became an immediate favorite in my household. The combination of grilled chicken, crisp baby spinach, and a tangy lemon parmesan vinaigrette is simply irresistible. Every bite feels like a celebration of the season, making it perfect for light lunches or dinner gatherings. With its delightful textures and flavors, Chicken Florentine Salad is not just a meal—it’s an experience. You can serve it on a sunny patio, share it with friends, or enjoy it alone while soaking in the beauty of nature. It embodies the joy of fresh ingredients and the warmth of home-cooked meals.

Ingredients Overview for Chicken Florentine Salad

When it comes to creating a delightful Chicken Florentine Salad, the choice of ingredients is paramount. Each component works in harmony to deliver a burst of flavor and a medley of textures. The key players in this recipe include fresh baby spinach, grilled chicken, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, which together create a salad that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice – This adds a tangy brightness, enhancing all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – A hint of spice and creaminess that binds the vinaigrette.
• ½ medium garlic clove, minced – Adds aromatic depth to the dressing.
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil – The base of the vinaigrette, providing richness.
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory, nutty flavor to the dressing.
• 4 6-ounce chicken breasts (grilled, cooled, and thinly sliced) – The star protein, offering heartiness to the salad.
• ½ cup pine nuts, toasted – A crunchy element with a delightful nutty flavor.
• ¼ cup sliced black olives – Adds a briny bite to the mix.
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed – Brings a unique tartness that brightens the salad.
• 6 ounces baby spinach leaves – The base of the salad, packed with nutrients.
• 1 cup cooked orzo (drained, rinsed, and cooled to room temperature) – Provides a hearty, chewy texture.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Florentine Salad

Preparing Chicken Florentine Salad is as enjoyable as eating it. The steps are straightforward, allowing you to create a flavorful dish without any fuss. Let’s dive into the process!

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic. The goal here is to blend the flavors well. You’ll want to see a smooth mixture forming. Once combined, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This emulsion is crucial; it ensures the dressing has a lovely creamy texture. Add the Parmesan cheese and season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Next, take a large salad bowl and toss together the sliced chicken, pine nuts, black olives, capers, baby spinach, and orzo. Make sure everything is well mixed; every ingredient should be well-integrated to enjoy the full flavor. It’s all about creating a colorful and inviting salad that looks as good as it tastes.
3. Now it’s time to add the vinaigrette. Pour it over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to bruise the spinach; we want it to remain fresh and vibrant. The dressing should lightly coat everything, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming them.
4. Once everything is mixed beautifully, serve the salad immediately. It’s at its best when fresh, allowing all those wonderful ingredients to shine. Each bite will be a mix of textures and flavors that you’ll find delightful!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Chicken Florentine Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some essential tips:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but keep the dressing separate to maintain texture.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the fresh ingredients won’t retain their quality once thawed.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a light soup for a complete meal.
• Customize: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or proteins, like grilled shrimp or roasted bell peppers.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and other ingredients in advance. Just combine them shortly before serving for freshness!

Serve This Chicken Florentine Salad With

When it comes to serving Chicken Florentine Salad, there are endless possibilities to elevate your dining experience.

• Grilled Vegetables: Complement this salad with a side of grilled seasonal vegetables for a burst of flavor.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover vinaigrette.
• Wine Pairing: While I mentioned no alcoholic beverages, consider serving this salad with a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage or sparkling water.
• Picnic Delight: This salad is great for picnics—pack it alongside your favorite cheeses and fruits for a lovely outdoor meal.
• Family Gatherings: It’s a hit at any family gathering. Serve it during BBQs or potlucks for a light option.
• Seasonal Occasions: Ideal for spring luncheons or summer dinners, this salad showcases the best of the season.

FAQ

Conclusion

Chicken Florentine Salad is truly a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors. With its delightful combination of textures and tastes, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether a casual lunch or a festive dinner. I encourage you to try making it tonight—your taste buds will thank you!

Chicken Florentine Salad

The perfect spring dish, Chicken Florentine Salad brings together grilled chicken and fresh greens with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s bright, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. Make this easy weeknight dinner tonight and watch it become your new favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ medium garlic clove minced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 6-ounce chicken breasts grilled, cooled and thinly sliced
• ½ cup pine nuts toasted
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• 3 tablespoons capers drained and rinsed
• 6 ounces baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup cooked orzo drained, rinsed and cooled to room temperature

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Grater
• Whisk
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. In a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Slowly add olive oil in a steady stream, whisking to emulsify. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. In a large salad bowl, toss together the sliced chicken, pine nuts, black olives, capers, baby spinach, and orzo. Add the vinaigrette to taste and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but keep the dressing separate to maintain texture.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the fresh ingredients won’t retain their quality once thawed.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a light soup for a complete meal.
• Customize: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or proteins, like grilled shrimp or roasted bell peppers.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and other ingredients in advance. Just combine them shortly before serving for freshness!

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.