Alternates: Chicken Caesar Salad W / Choice Of Soup Recipe
Make Alternates: Chicken Caesar Salad W / Choice Of Soup Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Salad: Chicken Caesar Salad - Blue Zone Inspired
Salad dressing (anchovy-free Caesar dressing)
Soup Option 1: Lentil Soup (Blue Zone Inspired)
Soup Option 2: Tomato Basil Soup (Blue Zone Inspired)
Soup Option 3: Minestrone (Blue Zone Inspired)
Method
Salad: Chicken Caesar Salad - Blue Zone Inspired
- 1
Prepare Caesar dressing (anchovy-free)
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, capers, grated Parmesan (1 tablespoon), salt, and pepper until smooth. If too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of water to reach a creamy pourable consistency.
- 2
Chill dressing
Cover and refrigerate dressing for at least 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- 3
Prepare chicken
Season chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear in a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until cooked through (165°F/74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- 4
Toast croutons
Toss bread cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toast in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- 5
Assemble salad
In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with the prepared dressing until evenly coated. Add sliced chicken, croutons, and shaved Parmesan. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.
Soup Option 1: Lentil Soup (Blue Zone Inspired)
- 6
Sauté vegetables
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.
- 7
- 8
Add lentils and liquids
Add lentils, diced tomatoes (optional), and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- 9
Simmer
Reduce heat and simmer 25–30 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Remove bay leaf.
- 10
Finish
Season with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Soup Option 2: Tomato Basil Soup (Blue Zone Inspired)
- 11
Sauté
In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 12
Add tomatoes and broth
Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
- 13
Blend
Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or leave chunky to taste).
- 14
Finish
Stir in chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper. Optional: swirl in 1–2 tablespoons of yogurt or a splash of cream for creaminess.
Soup Option 3: Minestrone (Blue Zone Inspired)
- 15
Sauté vegetables
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook 5–7 minutes.
- 16
Add zucchini and garlic
Stir in diced zucchini and minced garlic; cook 2 minutes.
- 17
Add tomatoes, beans, and broth
Add diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
- 18
Add pasta and greens
Add small pasta (e.g., ditali or shells) and simmer until pasta is al dente. Stir in chopped spinach or kale at the end.
- 19
Season and serve
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.