Lime Basil Chicken Salad

I had an abundance of fresh basil growing in my garden and was in the mood for a fast, fresh meal. The Lime Basil Chicken Salad hit the spot. 

I found the recipe for the chicken on Pinterest and was deciding how to serve it. When I looked in my fridge and noticed all the garden fresh produce, I knew a salad would compliment it perfectly. 

I marinated the chicken for a few hours, grilled it, sliced it, mixed it with the basil dressing And put on top a bed of fresh greens, cucumber and tomato (avocado would have been splendid addition). I topped the whole thing with a roasted tomatillo ranch dressing (which in itself was divine).

Lime Basil Chicken Salad

• 3 Limes (juice and zest) Divided
• 3 T Olive Oil
• 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 T Dijon Mustard
• 3 T Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 T Soy Sauce
• 4 Cloves Garlic Minced, Divided
• 3 T Chopped Basil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 lbs Chicken Breasts

Instructions

1. Combine the zest and juice of 2 limes, Olive Oil, Mustard, Worcestershire, Soy, 2 garlic cloves salt and pepper in a gallon ziplock. 
2. Cut chicken into even cutlets and place in a gallon sized baggie.
3. Mix marinade and chicken, squeeze out all air and seal. Let marinate 1-8 hours. 
4. Preheat grill.
5. Place chicken on grill and grill for 7 minutes.
6. Then flip and cook until internal temp reaches 165.
7. Remove from grill and let meat rest.
8. Meanwhile combine juice and zest of one lime with extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, basil.
9. Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and pour sauce over top.
10. Serve atop a fresh bed of greens and other garden veggies for the world's greatest summer salad. 

Roasted Tomatillo Ranch

2 parts Daisy sour cream, 

2 parts buttermilk,

1 part mayonnaise, 

2 tablespoons of my homemade ranch mix ( parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper) 

2 roasted tomatillos. 

Combine everything in a small food chopper and blend until smooth. 

The chicken was simply awesome-moist and flavorful. The fresh salad was crunchy and great. And the creamy dressing just put it all together.  I will definitely be making this again and again.

Original recipe for the chicken can be found at http://goodenessgracious.com/2012/01/basil-lime-chicken.html