Chicken-Berry Salad

As the weather is getting warmer I'm finding that my dinners are turning from soups to salads. I love salads in the summer -- although with weather still in the 50's we're not quite there. I found this salad in Better Homes and Gardens magazine and had to try it. Just by looking at it I knew I would love it. Boy was I right.

Here it is:

Chicken-Berry Salad

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh basil
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 lb. total)
• 3 cups fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 3 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. Dijon-style mustard
• 1/4 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 8-oz. pkg. Mediterranean mixed salad greens
• 2 medium pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (3 oz.)

Directions

1. In small bowl stir together orange, lime, and lemon juices, 1 tablespoon oil, basil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place chicken in resealable plastic bag set in large bowl. Pour juice mixture over chicken; seal bag. Refrigerate 1 to 4 hours, turning bag occasionally.

2. For dressing, in blender combine 1 cup of the blackberries, vinegar, sugar, mustard, oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover and blend until smooth. With blender running, slowly add 1/2 cup oil in a thin steady stream until well combined. Transfer to serving container. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

3. Drain chicken, discarding marinade. For charcoal grill, place chicken on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 12 to 15 minutes or until done (170 degrees F.), turning once. (For gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Add chicken to grill rack. Cover and grill as above.)

4. Slice chicken. Divide greens among 4 serving plates. Top with chicken, pears, and remaining 2 cups berries. Top each with some of the dressing and feta cheese. Pass remaining dressing. Makes 4 servings.

If you try it let me know what you think.

***Amy***