Simple Supper: Grilled Chicken Breast, Carrot Ribbons & Pear with Curry Vinaigrette

I have a morning ritual. I kind of hate to admit it. It's a bit silly. But okay, I'll tell you. Here goes... With out fail, every week day morning while sipping my coffee I watch Everyday Italian. Yes, it's a bit much, I know. Some how, I've slipped into this comfortable habit. It's keeps me on my toes, so to speak. Or maybe I just like staring at Giada's gorgeous ..... um.. kitchen!

Regardless of motives, this ritual helps me fill out my weekly menu without much effort. On one of my many mornings curled up on the couch I watched the petite chef pour a stout curry vinaigrette over, of all things, pear slices! Mmmm-ing & ooo-ing she sung its praises. Now, I love pears tossed in a mixed salad with a bit of balsamic, but curry sounded a bit, well, odd. My interest perked, I had to give it a shot. And, as per usual, she was right.

Grilled Chicken Breast, Carrot Ribbons & Pear with Curry Vinaigrette
adapted from Giada de Laurnetiis

1 large chicken breast*

2 carrots, cut into 1/8" thick ribbons**

2 pears, cut into 1/4" slices

1/4 c. fresh parsley, minced

1 tsp. curry powder

1 tbsp. honey

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. rice wine vinegar

salt to taste

pepper to taste

Bring a grill pan up to medium-high heat & salt & pepper the chicken breast. Drizzle the pan with olive oil & sear the breast until cooked through, about 6 minutes on each side. Set the chicken aside to cool.

In a blender blend the curry powder, vinegars, honey, salt, & pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending. This will give the dressing a thicker consistency. Toss together the pear slices, carrot ribbons, & parsley in a salad bowl & drizzle the dressing over the veggies. Toss to combine.

Slice the chicken breast in 1" strips. Make a bed of the carrot & pear salad & nestle the strips of chicken on top.

* The chicken is optional & not called for in the original recipe. I added it for a more complete meal, but you can just as easily skip it (this means you Gina!).
**To easily make carrot ribbons use a vegetable peeler. Peel down the entire length of the carrot. Make sure to turn the carrot after each peel - the ribbons are more consistent this way.