Gaby
This salad clocks in at just 232 calories per serving. Each serving delivers 24 grams of protein, 21 grams of carbohydrates, and only 8 grams of fat. That fat is less likely to settle on your sides thanks to the mandarin: the citrus boosts metabolism and helps break down fat. Mandarins also activate metabolic processes, flush out toxins, support hair and skin health, have antimicrobial properties, boost immunity, and strengthen the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The vitamins A, C, B1, and B6 in mandarins can slow aspects of aging, improve brain function, and sharpen concentration. Combined with the other ingredients, this salad multiplies its benefits.
Ingredients (per serving): chicken breast – 70 g; low-fat cheese – 10 g; mandarin – 1 piece; cherry tomatoes – 6 pieces (or regular tomatoes – 2 pieces); cucumber – 1 piece; spinach (or other greens) – 100 g; hot pepper – 10 g; olive oil – 1 tablespoon; sesame seeds – to taste; salt – to taste.
Boil the chicken breast fillet, cut it into pieces, and sauté it in a dry pan until the meat is slightly browned.
Slice the cucumber into rounds and the hot pepper into half-moons. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, and the regular tomatoes into quarters.
Combine the chicken with the grated cheese, mandarin, vegetables, and greens. Dress the salad with olive oil, season with salt, mix well, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Life Hack
Simplify the dish and reduce its calorie count by removing all ingredients except chicken, mandarin, and greens (use spinach or arugula). Serve the salad with crunchy croutons, spicy coriander, and a zesty dressing made from lemon juice and mustard.
