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Fresh Hot Girl Summer Salad Protein Bowl

fresh hot girl summer salad protein bowl - featured image
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A fresh, vibrant, and protein-packed salad bowl perfect for summer heatwaves, combining crisp greens, juicy veggies, creamy avocado, and a tangy citrus dressing with your choice of grilled protein.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups mixed baby spinach and arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces grilled chicken breast, sliced (or 1 cup cooked chickpeas or 6 ounces grilled shrimp)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh basil or cilantro leaves, crumbled feta cheese, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breast or shrimp with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken about 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  2. Rinse mixed baby spinach and arugula thoroughly and dry completely using a salad spinner or by hand.
  3. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice bell pepper and red onion. Soak onion in cold water for 5 minutes if desired to mellow the bite, then drain.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine greens, chopped veggies, and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently.
  6. Add sliced protein and avocado on top, drizzle with remaining dressing. Toss lightly again or leave layered for presentation.
  7. Garnish with fresh herbs or crumbled feta if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep dressing separate until just before serving to prevent soggy greens. Add avocado last to keep it fresh and bright. Soaking red onion slices in cold water mellows sharpness. Rest grilled chicken before slicing to keep juicy. Roasting chickpeas with smoked paprika adds crunch and flavor. Dressing should be well emulsified and slightly thickened.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer salad, protein bowl, fresh salad, healthy salad, grilled chicken salad, chickpea salad, avocado salad, citrus dressing, easy summer recipe

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/fresh-hot-girl-summer-salad-protein-bowl-easy-vibrant-health-recipe/