Description

Parmesan Chicken & Green Bean Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious dish combining tender chicken, crisp green beans, and nutty Parmesan cheese. Quick to prepare and packed with protein and fiber, this vibrant salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a healthy snack. Its balanced flavors and easy customization options make it a versatile favorite for busy home cooks and flavor enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Instructions

Prep the Green Beans: Trim the green beans and blanch them in boiling salted water for about 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt cooking and keep the vibrant green color and crunch intact.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing adds a zesty lift that enlivens the salad.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, sliced chicken, and shaved Parmesan. Drizzle the dressing over everything and toss gently to coat evenly.
Final Touches: Top the salad with optional cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts for added color, sweetness, and crunch. Serve immediately or chill briefly for enhanced flavors.

Notes

Choose fresh, high-quality green beans and Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Do not overcook the green beans; blanch until just tender to preserve crunch and nutrients.
Allow the cooked chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Adjust lemon juice to your taste to avoid overpowering acidity.
Use a microplane grater to finely shave Parmesan for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: Parmesan, chicken salad, green beans, healthy salad, quick meal, protein salad, balanced meal, easy recipe