I’ve been writing a lot about health so far this year, and I had been planning on giving another glimpse into my journey for this post, another snapshot in words of my progress in chiseling out a New Me for the New Year. However, while perusing the selection of wintery produce at my local market, I realized the powerful effect that food can have on the memories we create for ourselves.
For example, when I came across a selection of Florida grapefruits, I found it hard not to remember my grandfather, and the quartered grapefruits he would eat religiously every morning. As I put together a bag of about six of the grapefruits, I started to think that he may have been on to something. One half of a grapefruit provides a full day’s worth of vitamin C, in addition to significant amounts of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. In other words, they are the perfect way to start the day.
However, over the course of my years, I’ve discovered that finding reliably good grapefruits can be an exercise in frustration. Many are too dry, too bitter, or so sweet that they no longer actually taste like grapefruit, lacking that telltale ‘bite’ – despite looking like specimens of perfection.
That’s where the ‘Florida Difference’ really comes into play. While Florida grapefruits are notorious for their awkward appearance, what’s on the inside is where their superior quality becomes most apparent.
Florida grapefruits come from uniquely fertile soil, and are further enhanced by the lush subtropical climate, making them juicy and sweet, while still maintaining a crisp ‘bite.’ In fact, this juicy sweetness is at its peak right now in the January to March months.
While grapefruit is typically regarded as a breakfast item, it is nonetheless a good bit more versatile than that, and that’s how I decided upon this recipe. I wanted to put an unexpected twist on the grapefruit in order to showcase its versatility. I wanted something light, something refreshing, and then I decided I wanted to add another layer, and create a dish that’s almost Summer-seasonal in taste and composition, but with the addition of wintery ingredients.
This light and refreshing grilled chicken dish features a sweet and savory mix of salad greens, strawberries, grapefruit, and citrus. With the sweetness of the strawberries offset by the bite of the grapefruits, and the savory notes of chicken accented by the citrus tones, this a perfect dish for any time of year.
Making of the Vinaigrette:
Grilled Chicken Citrus Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For Chicken & Marinade:
- 3 - 4 lbs. of boneless chicken breast - sliced thin
- 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger - peeled and chopped fine
- 3 cloves of garlic - chopped
- 1 tbs. sugar
- 3 tbs. balsamic vinegar
- Juice of 1/2 an orange
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 2 tbs. soy sauce
- 2 tbs. canola oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 4 tbs. fresh dill - chopped
For the Citrus Salad:
- 4 Fresh Florida Grapefruit - peeled and sectioned
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh kiwi - peeled and sliced
- Fresh pineapple - sliced
- Fresh orange - peeled and sliced
- Your choice of fresh salad greens
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 2 tbs. mustard
- 2 tbs. honey
- 1/4 inch piece of fresh ginger - peeled and chopped fine
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- Juice of 1/4 of lemon
Instructions
For Chicken & Marinade:
- Combine all of the above ingredients in a bowl and add the chicken; cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Heat a large frying pan; add the chicken. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- When the chicken is golden on one side and turning white at the edges; turn over to finish cooking; approximate cooking time will be 8 to 12 minutes or 6 to 8 minutes for flattened chicken. When the chicken is firm to the touch and the juices run clear the chicken is cooked. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken slices.
- Plate the salad with the grapefruit, fresh fruit and the chicken.
- Spoon the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, fruit and the chicken.
For the Citrus Salad:
- Prepare the salad greens and fresh fruit. Refrigerate the salad greens and fruit while preparing the chicken.
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- Combine all of the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl and whisk.
- Category: Salad
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
0
Comedy Plus says
Wow, you two make a great team and what a healthy looking dinner. That's the way we all should be eating.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Ginny Hartzler says
Your dish looks wonderful! Both of us are forbidden to eat anything with grapefruit in it because we are on statin drugs. BUT I love your sweet memory of your grandfather. I bet if we think about it, we all have wonderful food memories from or childhood.
Dottie Sauchelli Balin says
Hi Catherine and Michael,
Yummy!!! I think this is a fabulous salad as well as beautiful. The flavors must be marvelous! I love grapefruit. They are so good for you as you stated in your blog. Unfortunately, I have some medication that says I am not allowed to have grapefruit. Maybe I can sub mangos in it's place. Still a mouthwatering recipe. Thanks for sharing...Keep safe and warm Catherine..looks like we are going to get pounded with snow tonight.
Dottie 🙂
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
Looks like a delicious dinner to me!! I would definitely try this. I've become a big grapefruit fan!
amanda @ fake ginger says
Yes! Florida grapefruits are the only grapefruit I'll buy. So good. And this salad looks amazing. I want one for dinner!
Red Rose Alley says
Oh, chicken is one of my favorites, and this grilled chicken looks amazing. The grapefruit on the side sounds so good. I've never had it for dinner before, what a great idea. That's exciting news about "clever girls." Will have to check it out.
Have a wonderful week.
~Sheri
Louise says
Hi Michael:)
I don't think we have been "officially" introduced however, I see you have your Mother's magic touch and Tammy's creativity:) This is a wonderful salad and for some reason, citrus just seems to make Winter a bit more bearable. Grapefruit being the "bear" of a citrus fruit, lol...I love the reflection in the story about your grandfather.
Thank you so much for sharing, Michael, Hi to Mom and Tammy:) Wishing you all a Safe and Cozy New York Blizzard:)
Liz says
Such a spectacular meal! You've given me a huge craving for a ruby red grapefruit---I haven't eaten even one this winter! And maybe one will make it into my salad, too 🙂
kita says
Love the gif! I am all about this fresh salad right now. Bring on the sunshine 😀
Roz says
Oh my goodness, how serendipitous of the two of us . . . we must have citrus and Florida grapefruit on our brains! I just did a red grapefruit smoothie for tomorrow. Your salad and the vinaigrette sound fabulous and with my new journey (like yours), I must try this. I know it will be bursting with flavor!
Blessings!
tanna says
This looks so good! And, very healthy. I love the memories of your grandfather... food locks the memories in our hearts forever. blessings ~ tanna
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
I love grapefruits and using them in creative ways. This salad looks like what I want for lunch today!
Beauty Follower says
So delicious!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
It looks like a very delightful meal. Really love those pinky pomelo!
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine, What a beautiful and refreshing salad! This is my kind of salad and it would provide us with a great tasting and healthy lunch... I love grapefruit...if only it didn't interfere with the absorption of prescription drugs. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Nee says
What a great memory to have Michael of your dear grandfather . So well written , I know your mother (Catherine) is so very proud of you . Catherine the recipe looks so inviting , just deliciously good . Thanks for sharing. 🙂 I am pinning . mm~~Nee~~ ;-D
Lori Hart says
I can see myself eating this salad paired with a good white wine while sitting on my patio. Found you at Two Cup Tuesday. We host Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday and would love it if you’d share your recipe with our readers. http://bit.ly/15FBJpT
Thanks,
Lori
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Wow, that looks delicious, Michael. I love grapefruit, and it is calling my name next to that chicken! Yum!
Ann says
Oh it looks so good.
I love drinking grapefruit
but not really into mixing it with my meats
but this recipe looks perfect.
http://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com
Sara says
Yum! I feel all summery and healthy just from looking at this! Your food styling is lovely. x
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
We just enjoyed a grapefruit for a snack. Yum! I love the way your prepared yours! Pinning for reference!
Thanks for sharing your delicious meal with us at Project Inspire{d}!
swathi says
Very delicious salad, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop. Pinning.
Dee says
This recipe looks amazing, and now I'm starving --I love grapefruit! Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle. 🙂
Laura@Baking in Pyjamas says
I love grapefruit but haven't eaten it in long time, I also love salads never thinking about adding fruit to it. This meal looks delicious as well as ever so healthy. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!