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    TaraTeaspoon » Course » Main Dish

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    Published: by

    Warm Polenta, Zucchini & Chicken Salad

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Jump to Comments

    Warm polenta, zucchini & chicken salad gets drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. You can't resist the tasty, crispy and soft croutons! 


    Zucchini, chicken, blue cheese and tangy vinaigrette join warm polenta, yes, polenta in your bowl! It's the kind of salad you can really dig into. A tasty mix of summer veggies, filling chicken and tasty polenta.

    Warm Polenta, Zucchini & Chicken Salad

    On those busy summer nights when a one-dish meal is a necessity, you will literally want to dive in, head first, to this. Usually I have some boneless chicken breasts on hand to wave a magic wand at so they turn into dinner. Oh, you don't have one of those magic wands? Well, then this easy salad is for you. A blah chicken dinner this is not! It's bursting with flavor and the warm polenta is a delightful swap for dry croutons.

    To note, this salad is served with crisp, cold lettuces and warm toppings. I love, love, love warm salads for dinner. First of all they feel more dinnery to me. Not like I'm trying to make a light lunch feel like a filling dinner. Also they are simply a delicious mix of textures and temperatures.

    Hot, sizzling ingredients tossed into salad greens are my favorite kind of meals. The polenta croutons add a tasty bite to this version!

    Zucchini is plentiful all summer and I love it quickly sautéed for this salad. I used chicken breasts, cooked and shredded, but you can also use rotisserie chicken to make this quick. Prepared polenta is the unique ingredient that makes this salad special. It typically comes in tube packaging and is shelf-stable until opened. A really fun, prepared ingredient that isn't overly processed. Slice it, dice it, eat it immediately or cook it. I tossed my polenta in the skillet just to warm it and give it a crispy crust.

    Warm Polenta, Zucchini & Chicken Salad

    The dressing is a quick, vinegar, herb and oil situation that brightens the creamy, warm polenta and veggies. It works perfectly with the blue cheese. Let me know how you like this salad. It's honestly one of my favorites! Dinner heaven!

    Warm Polenta Zucchini Salad in white bowl on green surface

    Warm Polenta, Zucchini & Chicken Salad

    Tara Teaspoon
    A tasty mix of summer veggies, filling chicken and tasty polenta.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 1697 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 zucchini
    • 3 ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • ½ 16- oz pkg prepared polenta cut into ¾-inch cubes
    • 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
    • ½ teaspoon sugar
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 5 cups (3 ½ oz) baby mixed greens or baby arugula
    • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (1 ¾ cups total)
    • ⅓ cup (3 oz) crumbled blue cheese

    Instructions
     

    • Cut zucchini in half lengthwise, then on the bias into ¼-inch slices and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat and add zucchini. Cook, stirring, until just golden, about 2 min. Remove zucchini, then reduce heat to medium and add polenta to skillet. Cook, stirring, until just heated through, about 4 min.
    • Whisk together vinegar, oregano, sugar, salt and 3 tablespoon olive oil. In a large bowl, toss half the vinaigrette with the greens, chicken, zucchini and polenta. Arrange on a platter and sprinkle with blue cheese. Serve with remaining vinaigrette.

    Notes

    Save time by cooking the chicken a day ahead, or using rotisserie chicken; simply heat it up on the skillet when you're ready to serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1697kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 251gFat: 60gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 699mgSodium: 1009mgPotassium: 4515mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 905IUVitamin C: 29.1mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 7.3mg
    Want to watch videos to show you how to cook?Check out our Youtube and try this recipe and more.

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    Or a tasty sandwich with everyone's favorite: bacon! Dig in to Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken Sandwiches.

    Tara in kitchen making salad

    About Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in the food publishing business for over 20 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television & advertising. Order my new cookbook & stick around for amazing things to eat.

    Find out more!

    Credits: Recipe Tara Bench • Photograph Alexandra Grablewski  • Food Stylist Jee Levin • Prop Stylist Christina Lane • Originally published in LHJ 08/09

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    Filed Under: Chicken and Poultry, Dressing Recipes, Main Dish, Salads Tagged With: chicken, polenta, Polenta Zucchini Chicken Salad, Zucchini

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary says

      July 19, 2018 at 12:19 pm

      Polenta is such an interesting addition! I'm sure the dressing is absorbed by it and is yummy!

      Reply

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