Il Cucinologo
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Potato, Chicken and Zucchini Salad

17/11/2023

Here is a simple and tasty recipe for a potato, chicken and zucchini salad with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

  • 300 g chicken breast
  • 400 g potatoes
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Aromatic herbs to taste (rosemary, thyme, basil, etc.)
  • 1 garlic clove (optional)
  • Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by boiling the potatoes. Wash the potatoes well and, if you prefer, you can also leave the skin on for a more rustic texture. Place them in a pot with cold salted water, bring to a boil and cook until tender to the touch but not falling apart, for about 20-30 minutes depending on size. Once cooked, drain them, let them cool and then cut into cubes.

  2. Meanwhile, prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breast into strips or cubes, season with salt, pepper and the chopped aromatic herbs of your choice. In a pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a peeled garlic clove, then cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Deglaze with a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar toward the end of cooking if you prefer a slightly tangy flavor. Let cool afterward.

  3. Wash the zucchini and cut into rounds or sticks, according to your preference. You can grill them for a more intense flavor or sauté in a pan with a drizzle of oil and a garlic clove. The zucchini should also cool before being added to the salad.

  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, chicken and zucchini. Dress with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and additional aromatic herbs if desired. Gently mix to coat all ingredients with the dressing.

  5. Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, so the flavors have time to meld well.

This salad can be customized in many ways, for example by adding Taggiasca olives, capers or cherry tomatoes to further enrich it with Italian flavor. It can be served as a main dish or as a rich and substantial side.

Fun Fact

The potato, chicken and zucchini salad is a versatile dish that lends itself to countless variations. Every region in Italy might add its own characteristic ingredient, such as basil in Liguria or chili in Calabria for a spicier touch.