Friday 16 May 2014

B.L.A.T. Chopped Chicken Salad











My 11 year old son Joey and I ate this for dinner sitting at the kitchen counter. We always sit at the dining table when we are all together, but the rest of our family were out and about, so it was just the two of us in the kitchen. I ate while he chatted to me between mouthfuls telling me all about what happened at school and what drills they did at football training. Afterwards, he helped me with his homework, then we ate ice cream as we watched Adventure Time lying in front of the TV. These days will be over before I know it.



B.L.A.T. Chopped Chicken Salad
slightly adapted from An Affair from the Heart
Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
400g chicken breasts, skinless boneless
250g bacon
1 large head of cos lettuce, finely chopped
4 hard boiled eggs, finely chopped
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
1 avocado, finely diced
3 tablespoons olive olive
2 tablespoons lime juice
Sea salt flakes
Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 200C.

Put 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large frying pan, season the chicken with a little salt and pepper and cook on both sides until golden. Remove from the pan, allow it to cool, and chop finely. Set aside.

Lay the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool and chop finely. Set aside.

Take a shallow bowl or serving platter and spread the lettuce out to form the first layer of the salad. Scatter the bacon over, then the tomatoes, eggs, avocado and finish with the chopped chicken.

In a small bowl, whisk the lime juice with a good pinch of salt and a grind or two of pepper. Add the olive oil and whisk again. Pour the dressing over the salad.

31 comments:

  1. Precious exchanges. Bright beautiful photos. And a salad that would make even Chris eat avocado. Enjoy your moments Jen :)

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  2. Sounds like some great quality time, those are the best meal times. Lovely salad :)

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    1. Yes. He's good company and he's not a bad cook either.

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  3. Love the fact that your son helps you with his homework, isn't that the truth. What a perfect moment, great salad, look lovely.

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  4. Can't wait to try this...sizzling heat n So Cal this wk..perfect meal!

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    1. It will be great in the hot weather. Stay cool and thanks for stopping by.

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  5. A beautiful moment with a delicious salad, it's what I called a really good day :)

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    1. Thanks Gabrielle. He chats, I listen, it works.

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  6. This is a gorgeous salad! What a great healthy dish to have on hand for this summer!

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  7. This is indeed a precious post. Glad that you got to spend some quality time with Joey - you are completely right, time with those we love is fleeting and each stage of life should be treasured. Ah, Adventure Time. I love that show (despite not having kids... but hey, never too old for cartoons). I also love this salad... it sounds perfect for a quick shared dinner, perhaps accompanied with some good bread and butter xx

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    1. Yes exactly Laura. When I get one of my kids on their own, it's a different dynamic. They are close in age and are great mates, so I don't spend a lot of time with them one on one, but when I do, I try to savour it.

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  8. This is the kind of thing I could eat for every meal and be sublimely happy!

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    1. Me too Marie... as long as dessert wasn't far behind.

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  9. Can you ship me a big ol bowl?? Looks incredible!

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    1. Wish I could Jessica. Don't worry, it's easy enough for you to make. Though it would be nice for you to be able to pop into my kitchen for a bowl and a chat.

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  10. That is one handsome chicken salad. Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Sounds like a lovely evening, and I can so relate to my son helping me with his homework. Salads like this are my favorite. Gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Maria. His homework, Oy!! He explains everything to me and by the end of it he's worked it out by himself and my head is spinning. He's in year 6... help.

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  12. Loving the idea of a BLAT salad. This is a delicious vibrant dish and so perfect for spring/autumnal, mid weather days.
    Gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Alice. This is one of those easy going meals that just about every one likes - a crown pleaser, if you will.

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  13. Awwww I know... they grow up so fast! Sometimes I wish I could stop the time... Beautiful looking salad!

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    1. Me too Manu. I want to freeze time sometimes.

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  14. Kids grow up way to fast! You have enjoy the years when they are at home. I am loving this salad. It sounds like it has a lot of yummy ingredients. It would be great for a warm spring day or hot summer day for that matter.

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    1. Thanks Dawn. They grow so fast. Wasn't I pushing him in a stroller yesterday? Now he's 11 going on 30.

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  15. Love this salad. I will make it sans the bacon cause' of dietary restrictions. Funny thing, I love all your photos but the last one is my fave! Pinned!

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    1. I'm so glad you told me your favourite photo. I love that sort of feedback. I'm still a beginner when it comes to photography and I have so much to learn and improve on.

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