I am a foodie. I love different flavors, so when my husband arrived to the United States, I was excited to share with him all the flavors of California. He didn't like my food at first. I tried recipe after recipe for him, and night after night the response was mediocre at best. I soon tired of cooking food that went to waste because he didn't like it. I stopped cooking and I love to cook. But cooking is no fun when there isn't any enjoyment when it is eaten. After about 3 years of marriage, he began to experiment with food. He started trying different items and became willing to eat things he had never eaten. AND, he started to like food. Yay- and with that, I started to cook again. Now, he always asks me, "When did you learn to cook?" As if this is a new thing for me. My answer- "It isn't when did I learn to cook, it is when did you learn to eat?" This blog is a collection of recipes that I have created. I make new things all the time, but I don't write anything down and then I either forget that I made it, or I forget how to make it. I don't know if anyone is out there that will read this- but if you do, I hope you enjoy trying my recipes. Buen Provecho!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Basil and Lemon Chicken Salad

I planted some basil plants and am loving trying to figure out different ways to use my fresh basil. This recipe is for only 2 servings. And there are 255 calories per serving. There are things that will change the calories slightly like what kind of mayo you use. I use Best Food Mayonnaise with canola oil. Also, I used the least amount of oil and mayo that I could use so it was a little bit drier than some people might like.

1/2 lb boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
(I like the frozen tenderloins because they are easier and I can have them on hand all the time)
1 cup basil leaves
1/8 cup walnuts (you could use pine nuts but they are much more expensive)
1 tsp olive or canola oil
zest from 1 lemon
juice from 1/2 lemon
3 tablespoons mayo
1 teaspoon minced garlic
salt to taste
boil the chicken in a saucepan high heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. I always season the water by pouring in salt, pepper, garlic powder and a bay leaf but this is optional. When the chicken is finished cooking, remove from water and place on a dish to cool.
In a food processor (I think a blender should work) add the basil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and walnuts and puree. I cut the chicken into small pieces and then added to the food processor to grind and mix. This will not work in a blender so if you are using a blender, just shred or chop the chicken into small pieces. Add mayo (as much as you like). I had it on the Orowheat sandwich thins that have only 100 calories per sandwich. The Sara Lee Delightful bread would be good too because it is only 45 calories per slice.

No comments:

Post a Comment