Lime Chicken Cilantro Salad

Now, if you're not a cilantro lover, don't stop reading now!  The cilantro is in the homemade dressing, so you could also substitute another if you'd like.  :)

Now this salad is 100% inspired by my mother's and my mutual obsession with Nordstrom.  Yes, you might be confused, understandably.  I know, I know - you're thinking that Nordstrom is a clothing store, and well, you're right!  That hasn't changed.  But in case you didn't know, many Nordstroms have a cafe/restaurant attached.  When my mom and I are out on a shopping expedition and it's around lunch time, we always "accidentally" end-up eating there.  ;)  Every time (with maybe the exception of once...) I get this salad.  It's just THAT good!  Sadly, when they revamped their menu after the remodeling of the store in our area, they also changed the salad...  Now I guess I just have to make it for myself!

Serve this up with some nice bread and you've got a complete meal!

Lime Chicken

2 chicken breasts
3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 - 2 limes
zest of 1 or 2 limes
3 - 4 olive oil (more if needed)
salt & pepper

Preheat a skillet with the olive oil on medium or medium-high heat.

Cut the chicken into about 1/2" slices.  Season with salt and pepper and toss into the skillet.  Stir and add in garlic.  After about a minute, add in the zest and lime juice and stir again.  Cook until tender and cooked through (lightly browning).

Lime Cilantro Dressing

2 bunches cilantro (reserving a little for the salad if you'd like)
zest of 2 limes
juice of 3 limes
4 -5 cloves garlic
2 tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil
3 - 4 tbs water

Toss all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth!

Lime Chicken Cilantro Salad (here are some good ideas of things to add!)

mixed greens or lettuce
tomatoes
corn (great if freshly roasted on a grill or roasted on high in a skillet)
avocado
cilantro
sunflower seeds
grated pepper jack cheese
fresh lime wedge

Plate everything together with the chicken and dressing and serve!