Grilled Chicken or Chickpea Salad with Avocado, Seeds, and Lemon Dressing

As a Menopause Nutritional Therapist, I’m dedicated to guiding you through the dietary changes that can help alleviate menopause symptoms. Proper nutrition is key during this phase, focusing on ingredients that support hormone balance and overall well-being. Let’s embrace the start of January with a recipe that’s not only delicious but also tailored to your nutritional needs during menopause.

Grilled Chicken or Chickpea Salad with Avocado, Seeds, and Lemon Dressing

Ingredients:

        •       Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed) - 2 breasts or 400 grams (14 ounces)
        •       Mixed salad greens and spring mix - 150 grams (5 cups)
        •       Cherry tomatoes, halved - 150 grams (1 cup)
        •       Cucumber, sliced - 1 medium
        •       Red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2
        •       Avocado, sliced - 1
        •       Crushed flaxseeds - 2 tablespoons
        •       Pumpkin seeds - 2 tablespoons
        •       Olive oil - for grilling (if using chicken)
        •       Salt and pepper - to taste

For the Lemon Dressing:

        •       Olive oil - 60 ml (1/4 cup)
        •       Fresh lemon juice - 45 ml (3 tablespoons)
        •       Garlic, minced - 1 clove
        •       Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon
        •       Salt and pepper - to taste

Instructions:

        1.      Prepare Protein: For chicken - season the breasts with salt and pepper, grill until cooked through. For chickpeas - pan-roast them with a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until slightly crispy.
        2.      Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, spring mix, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
        3.      Add Seeds: Sprinkle the crushed flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds over the salad for added texture and nutrients.
        4.      Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
        5.      Combine: Add either the sliced grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas to the salad. Drizzle with the lemon dressing and toss gently.
        6.      Serve: Enjoy this nutrient-rich, flavourful salad - a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh greens.

This enhanced salad is ideal for a nutritious meal, providing a wonderful array of textures and flavors while catering to diverse dietary needs.

For more recipes tailored to your health journey, especially during menopause, don’t forget to sign up for “My Health Bites.” Find the link below and join a community focused on nutritious and delicious eating!