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San Francisco Chicken Salad with Yoghurt Ranch Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 362 reviews

A vibrant and healthy San Fran Chicken Salad featuring tender pan-seared chicken breast, massaged kale, crisp lettuce, pickled onions, fresh citrus segments, and a creamy yoghurt ranch dressing enhanced with fresh herbs and zesty lemon juice.

Ingredients

Scale

Yoghurt Ranch Dressing

  • 1 cup Greek yoghurt, preferably full fat
  • 1/2 – 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 tsp dried dill
  • 1/4 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp dried chives
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp white sugar
  • Squeeze of lemon juice, to taste

Chicken Marinade

  • 200 – 250 g / 7 – 8 oz chicken breast, halved horizontally
  • 1/4 cup Yoghurt Ranch Dressing (from above)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 – 1 tbsp oil, for cooking

Pickled Onion

  • 1/2 red onion, halved then finely sliced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp white sugar
  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar or cider vinegar

Salad Base and Toppings

  • 3 cups kale, torn into bite size pieces
  • 1 – 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 grapefruit or orange
  • 4 cups cos lettuce, romaine or other crispy lettuce, torn or cut into bite size pieces
  • 1/2 fennel, shaved (0.5 mm / 1/5″ thickness) or finely sliced
  • Handful snow pea sprouts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan

Instructions

  1. Make the Yoghurt Ranch Dressing: Combine Greek yoghurt, olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs (dill, parsley, chives), onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, white sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a bowl. Mix well and adjust olive oil and lemon juice to your taste preference.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Take 1/4 cup of the prepared yoghurt ranch dressing and place it in a separate bowl with the halved chicken breasts. Add lemon juice and garlic to the chicken. Toss to coat thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, and up to 24 hours, in the fridge.
  3. Prepare the Pickled Onion: In a bowl, combine finely sliced red onion with salt, sugar, and vinegar. Toss until the onion is fully coated. Set aside for at least an hour, or until the onion softens. For quicker pickling, ensure the onion is sliced very finely.
  4. Massage the Kale: Place the torn kale leaves in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Using your fingers, massage the oil thoroughly into the kale leaves until they soften. Set aside for about 30 minutes.
  5. Segment the Citrus: Carefully segment the grapefruit or orange over a bowl to catch all juices. Extract every bit of juice from the membranes after segmenting. Add this juice to the remaining dressing to achieve a perfect dressing consistency and mix well.
  6. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for 2 minutes on each side until nicely charred. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 3 minutes. Slice the chicken thinly afterwards.
  7. Assemble the Salad: To the massaged kale bowl, add the torn lettuce, shaved fennel, and sliced chicken. Pour most of the citrus-infused yoghurt ranch dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture into a serving bowl.
  8. Add Final Toppings: Scatter grapefruit or orange segments over the salad and add the pickled onions (avoiding the liquid). Top with a handful of snow pea sprouts if using, and sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese. Drizzle with any remaining dressing to taste.

Notes

  • Note 1: The blend of dried herbs and spices in the dressing brings out a balanced fresh ranch flavor without overpowering the salad.
  • Note 2: Massaging kale softens its tough leaves and reduces bitterness, making it more tender and pleasant to eat.
  • To speed up pickling onions, slice them as thinly as possible.
  • Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain its juices for tender slices.
  • Use freshly segmented citrus for the best flavor and dressing texture.

Keywords: San Fran chicken salad, yoghurt ranch dressing, kale salad, citrus chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, pan-seared chicken salad

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/san-francisco-chicken-salad-with-yoghurt-ranch-dressing-recipe/