Chicken Tikka Salad with Yogurt Mint Dressing

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There is no doubt about it these are unique times. But, I have always contended that there is good and bad in everything, and some of the good comes from connections that I have made on Twitter. I am a fan of the British television series, “Father Brown.” John Burton, who plays Constable Goodfellow in that series, is on Twitter, and he cooks! One day he posted a picture of a chicken tikka salad that he had made, and it looked so good that I had to try it. I took a chance, and asked him for the recipe, and he was only too happy to provide it.

Photo credit: IMDb

This is my own unique twist on John’s salad. Everything can be prepared a day in advance, and you can cook up the chicken shortly before serving. Do allow the chicken to cool before putting it on the salad, or your lettuce will wilt.

Chicken Tikka Salad
Inspired by John Burton

For the salad:
1 small head green leaf lettuce
Cherry tomatoes
Sliced cucumber
Thinly sliced red onion
1 apple, diced
¼ c. walnuts

For the marinade
1 c. whole plain yogurt
2 t. garam masala
1 t. ground ginger
1 t. cardamom
1 t. ground turmeric

1 t. paprika

1 t. kosher salt
1 t. ground coriander
1 T. Melissa’s minced garlic

Pinch cayenne pepper
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Prepare the marinade: in a medium bowl combine all marinade ingredients. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next day combine salad ingredients in a large bowl; set aside.

Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken AND marinade and cook, stirring, until the chicken is cooked through, 3-4 minutes aside. Remove chicken from pan with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Once chicken has cooled slightly toss it with the salad greens to combine. Drizzle with Yogurt Mint Dressing (recipe below).

Yogurt Mint Dressing

 ½ c. whole plain yogurt

1 - 2 t. fresh lemon juice

½ T. Melissa’s minced garlic

¼ cup mint leaves

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Whisk together all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Add more lemon juice to thin, if desired.