ALL RECIPES ARE: WHOLE30* AND PALEO-FRIENDLY; WE USE NO GRAINS, GLUTEN, DAIRY, SOY, REFINED OR ADDED SUGAR, OR ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS IN ANY OF OUR MEALS OR RECIPES. EVER.

MODEL MEALS WHOLE30/PALEO POWER GREENS SALAD WITH LEMON CHICKEN AND PUMPKIN SEED DRESSING

Our fall spirit is in full swing over here at the Model Meals kitchen! We are loving all things pumpkin, including the delicious pumpkin seed dressing on this weeks’ blog recipe feature. Pumpkin seeds, otherwise known as pepitas, are known for their rich and creamy consistency making them the perfect base for any dressing or dip. We love our pumpkin seed dressing paired with our power greens salad. The zestiness of the lemon chicken is perfectly complemented by the creamy pumpkin seed dressing. This salad is quick, easy, and so tasty! We’re sure this will quickly become a new favorite recipe for anyone who tries it!

Serves 2

*use organic and pasture-raised ingredients whenever possible*

FOR THE CHICKEN

• 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ½ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 Clove Garlic, Minced
• 1 ½ Tbsp Lemon Juice + Zest
• 1 tsp Parsley

FOR THE DRESSING

• 2 Tbsp Pumpkin Seeds (AKA Pepitas)
• 1 Clove Garlic
• 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• ½ tsp Lemon Juice
• ¼ tsp Cumin
• ½ tsp Cilantro
• ¼ tsp Salt

FOR SERVING AND GARNISH

• Baby Spinach, Kale, and Arugula 
• Thinly Sliced Mango
• Thinly Sliced Red Onion
• Sliced Persian Cucumber 
• Roasted Golden Beets

Directions for the Chicken

1. Add salt, Italian seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and ½ Tbsp of olive oil to a small bowl and stir to combine
2. Coat chicken in marinade mixture using a brush
3. Let marinate in the refrigerator, covered, for 1-2 hours
4. Remove chicken from fridge and begin heating remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
5. Once oil is heated, add chicken to skillet
6. Cook, flipping once halfway through, for about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through
7. Remove from skillet and slice or cube into bite sized pieces

Directions for the Dressing

1. Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender 
2. Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved 

To Serve

1. Place salad greens into bowl
2. Top with chicken and all desired garnishes (onion, mango, etc.)
3. Drizzle pumpkin seed dressing over salad 

This recipe is the perfect way to reimagine the use of pumpkin during fall. We know you’ll love this crisp and refreshing salad just as much as we do! Be sure to drop us a comment or tag us on social media with your Model Meals recipe creations. Stay tuned for more amazing Model Meals recipes by subscribing to get notified first when new recipes are available💛