Thrive Short Order | Swift Chicken and Gorgonzola Salad

If you haven't noticed lately, I'm on a fast and furious theme concerning food. With the weather glorious and a long list of life priorities in hand, I am just not in the mood to be fussing with elaborate recipes. I know this will change once the temperature drops and we spend more time indoors. For now, simplicity is the key. I also realize that quite a few working mothers absolutely demand meals that do not require hours in the kitchen (at least during the week).

Although a breeze to toss together, this summer salad is far from humdrum. The pungency of the gorgonzola offsets the slight sweetness of the honey-lime vinaigrette. And the lightness of the cucumbers is a nice compliment to the chicken. But don't be fooled - this salad packs enough protein and heartiness to qualify as a main course. Garnish with sliced avocado and a few toasted almonds to make it more so. Remember to enjoy the end result in the spirit of the Slow Food movement - always savor your meals with good company. An outdoor picnic is my favorite.

Swift Chicken and Gorgonzola Salad

*As always, choose local and organic for ultimate flavor and nutrition

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts, shredded

2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 shallot, chopped

4 oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled into large chunks

Freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg to taste

*optional: Sliced avocado and toasted almonds

Vinaigrette

1/8 cup local, raw honey

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

2 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped

1/2 cup almond or olive oil

Pinch of Celtic or Himalayan salt

Method

Vinaigrette: Place oil in a small bowl and add remaining ingredients. Whisk until well combined. Set aside.

Salad: In a medium mixing bowl, add chicken, cucumbers and shallot. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently. Divide salad onto four plates and garnish with gorgonzola, avocado, almonds, black pepper and nutmeg. Share immediately with those you hold dear. 

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." ~Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright, Pavarotti, My Own Story