With these hot summer days comes the inevitable: not wanting to cook. On days like this I prefer to have something colder to help keep my body cooler. I don't know about you, but usually salads aren't filling enough to keep me from needing more food later on. That is why in this balsamic peach salad, the secret ingredient to help keep me fuller for longer is chicken!
Typically I would add in some kind of extra fat, which would ultimately keep me from getting hungry until the following day, but today I just wasn't in a fatty mood. If you want to incorporate more fats, feel free to add avocado slices, or some extra olive oil. Salads can be totally customizable to your liking! Listen to what your body wants and needs, and make sure to get those foods into you (no, I don't mean pizza or beer, unless you want to try our Meattza recipe).
About the Ingredients
Balsamic Vinegar has been used for a long time for many different health benefits. It is a great digestive stimulant, helping the stomach to digest and break down food. Studies have also shown that its antioxidant properties help to boost your immune system and protect against heart disease.
Raw Honey also has a lot of antimicrobial properties that can help improve the immune system. I especially like local raw honey as the honey can improve your immune system's abilities to fight seasonal allergies.
Pumpkin seeds are a great a fantastic source of zinc, which is needed to produce stomach acid and hormones. Zinc is also important in the immune function of the body.
Balsamic Peach Salad
Start off by making the dressing. Combine the Balsamic Vinegar, Raw Honey, Olive Oil, and Salt and Pepper. Set aside to use later.
Then, throw the chicken onto the grill. Cover with the seasoning, and allow to cook for a couple minutes on each side. Be sure that the chicken cooks all the way through by cutting into the largest section.
Once the chicken is mostly cooked, set aside and place your peaches onto the grill. Cover the peaches in the dressing, and allow to cook until fully softened.
As the peaches are cooking, finish putting together your salad. When the peaches are done, slice and add to the top of the salad. Cover with the rest of the dressing, and you are all set. Enjoy this simple salad on a hot summer day when you don't want to cook inside the house!
Balsamic Peach Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/8 cup Raw Honey
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Himalayan Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
Meat
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- 1/4 tsp Himalayan Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Basil
Salad and Toppings
- 2 cup Arugula
- 2 cup Spinach
- 1/4 large Red Onion
- 1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds
- 2 large Peaches
Instructions
Dressing
- Combine all ingredients from the Dressing Group (Balsamic Vinegar, Honey, Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper) into a bowl.
- Set half aside for later.
Meat and Peach
- Heat the grill to a medium-high level.
- Place the chicken breasts onto the grill.
- Season with salt, pepper, and basil.
- Grill on each side for just a couple minutes. Cut into a thicker piece to see when fully cooked.
- While the chicken is hot, use forks to shred the meat. Set aside for later.
- Cut the peaches into slices.
- Take half of the dressing and coat the peaches.
- Place on the grill for just a couple minutes until the peaches soften.
Salad and Toppings
- Combine the spinach and arugula into a bowl.
- Chop red onions into thin slices, and add to the bowl.
- Add your peaches and chicken to the bowl.
- Drizzle the rest of the dressing over the top, and cover with pumpkin seeds.
- Enjoy this meal on a nice hot summer day!
Notes
Fats: 39%
Proteins: 39%
Carbs: 22%
