I once had a diet so regimented that I found myself eating chicken and broccoli off the floor of my car. It sounds absurd now, but back then, when I was competing in bodybuilding competitions, the thought of missing even one of my six daily meals seemed unthinkable. It's moments like these that bring us face-to-face with our extremes and teach us about balance.
From this, I learned that while dedication is crucial, so is flexibility. Our meals should nourish us, not stress us. This Mediterranean Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Salad recipe is easy, and flavourful, and you won't have to rescue it from any unexpected places!
So, grab your aprons and let's get cooking!
Mediterranean Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Salad
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
• 1 cup orzo, cooked according to package instructions and cooled
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled and sliced chicken, blanched broccoli florets, cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-mixed and evenly coated.
3. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Serve chilled, perhaps with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of feta on top for extra flavour.
This salad is a testament to how we can enjoy balanced, flavourful meals without the rigidity. Perfect for a weekday dinner or as a make-ahead lunch, it keeps things simple and delicious.
Let’s remember that food is to be enjoyed, not just ingested as part of a strict regimen. Have you ever found yourself going to extremes with your diet? Share your stories in the comments below. It’s through these stories that we learn and grow, finding ways to create a lifestyle that’s both healthy and joyful.
And if you're looking for more tips on balancing delicious meals with a healthy lifestyle, sign up for my newsletter. Let’s make every meal a stepping stone towards a healthier life—no extreme measures needed.
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