Chicken Cordon Bleu Salad

I truly am the worst blogger ever. I made this sooooo long ago but again it wasnt on the website right away so it never got posted. I only remember it because the page of the magazine was torn out and staring at me for the last few weeks. It was so worth blogging so I am happily posting it now. Such things wouldnt happen if I was on the ball. I am going to force myself to do better. If I dont stick with it, some yummy dishes will get lost in the shuffle again.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Salad

borrowed from Racheal Ray MagazineI

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound fingerling or small yukon gold potatoes, quartered lengthwise
• Salt and pepper
• 2 chicken cutlets (4 ounces each)
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus more for drizzling
• 1/2 pound 1/2-inch-thick ham steak
• 1 large shallot
• 1/4 cup grainy dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/3 pound thick deli-sliced swiss cheese
• 1 celery root, peeled and cut into matchsticks
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
• 1 bunch watercress, trimmed
• 1 baguette, warmed, for serving
• Butter, for serving
• 
  
• DIRECTIONS

1. In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, salt the water and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water; drain well.

   
   Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add the cutlets and cook, turning once, until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add the ham steak to the skillet and cook, turning once, until browned, about 5 minutes.
   
   While the meats cook, grate the shallot into the bottom of a large salad bowl. Whisk in the mustard, vinegar and honey, then whisk in 1/3 cup EVOO. Season with the thyme, salt and pepper.
   
   Cut the chicken, ham and swiss cheese into thin strips and add to the dressing. Add the celery root, carrots and potatoes. Toss to coat well. Divide the salad among plates garnished with the watercress leaves. Serve with the baguette and butter.

   VERDICT:

   This is a GREAT salad. Really unique flavor. I loved the combo and this is perfect for an Easter buffet, I realize its June and summer but one day I will be looking for a great Easter luncheon dish and it will take me directly to this posting. It was such a complete meal and the leftovers were just as great. I dont cook RR often but the ones I do seem to pick are recipes that end up cooking again and again. This one is added to my keeper pile.