Friday 23rd April

The sun is out again and its lovely and warm so lets try another fresh tasty salad for dinner tonight. I find Asian salads perfect for healthy eating as they tend to use fresh herbs and citrus fruits to flavour rather than oils.

I often turn to Asian recipes to highlight the principles of a healthy meal plan. The Asian's tend to cook with loads of fresh herbs in their salads and also cook their food very fast - helping to keep the nutrients in. This salad is delicious...

Healthy recipes: Vietnamese Chicken Salad

Serves 4

3 pieces chicken breast fillets
1 dessert spoon olive oil
Sea salt
Freshly cracked pepper
90 grams bean sprout - rinsed
20 grams or ½ cup of mint leaves (stalks removed)
50 grams or 1 cup of basil leaves
200 grams or 4 cups Chinese cabbages finely shredded
2 medium carrots peeled and grated

Vietnamese Dressing

60 ml Lime juice
60 ml Fish sauce
2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
1 teaspoon caster sugar
2 very finely chopped Garlic Cloves optional
1/2 red onion
1 large red chilli (finely chopped)

Method

Chicken Salad

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F/Gas 7).

Heat a frying pan over a high heat, and while the pan is heating, brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 2 minutes, turn and sear for another minute.

Put the chicken on a baking tray and cook in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Leave to rest for 20 minutes.

Shred the chicken into thin strips with your hands and place in a large bowl.

Add the remaining ingredients and toss to combine.

Vietnamese Dressing

1. Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved

Dairy Free