# Chicken-Pistachio Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Lunch
Elevate your lunch with this exquisite **Chicken-Pistachio Salad**. This isn’t your average chicken salad; it’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. The crunch of finely ground pistachios coats the tender chicken breasts, which are then served over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce and sweet white onions. The simple yet elegant dressing ties all the elements together, creating a truly memorable meal.
This recipe is perfect for a light yet filling lunch, and it’s a great way to impress guests at a luncheon or brunch.
## Ingredients
### For the Salad:
* **1/2 cup** shelled pistachio nuts, finely ground
* **1/2 tsp** salt
* **1/4 tsp** freshly ground black pepper
* **4** boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
* **2 tbsp** extra-virgin olive oil
* **1/2 cup** diced sweet white onion
* **1 head** romaine lettuce, chopped
### For the Dressing:
* (Dressing ingredients are not specified in the provided text, will be created based on common vinaigrette recipes)
* **1/4 cup** extra-virgin olive oil
* **2 tbsp** red wine vinegar
* **1 tsp** Dijon mustard
* **1/2 tsp** honey or maple syrup (optional)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
## Instructions
1. In a shallow dish, combine the finely ground pistachios, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
2. Dredge each chicken breast half in the pistachio mixture, ensuring an even coat on all sides.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
5. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and diced sweet white onion.
6. To make the dressing, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and optional honey/maple syrup in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the sliced chicken to the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and flavorful salad.

