GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD WITH ROMESCO SAUCE

Grilled Chicken Salad with Romesco Sauce image

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

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For the Chicken:
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 tsp. kosher salt
3 Tbsp. sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
Vegetable oil (for grill)
For the Romesco:
Vegetable oil (for grill)
2 large red bell peppers
1 garlic clove, finely grated
2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. unsweetened almond butter
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
For the Salad:
3 small heads of Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated, or 1 romaine heart, cut into 2" pieces
2 mini seedless cucumbers, halved lengthwise, sliced into half moons
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup parsley leaves with tender stems
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Hot smoked paprika (for serving; optional)

Steps:

Grill the Chicken:
Season chicken on all sides with salt in a medium bowl. Add vinegar and garlic and toss to coat. Let sit 15 minutes.
Prepare a grill for high heat and brush grate lightly with oil. Grill chicken, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, 12-15 minutes. Let cool.
Do Ahead: Chicken can be grilled 4 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
Make the Romesco:
Lightly brush grill grate with vegetable oil. Grill peppers over high heat, turning occasionally, until skins are blackened and blistered all over, 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit until cool enough to handle.
Remove skins and seeds from peppers; discard. Purée peppers, garlic, vinegar, almond butter, olive oil, salt, and cayenne in a blender until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl .
Do Ahead: Peppers can be grilled 4 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill. Romesco sauce can be made 4 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
Assemble the Salad:
Thinly slice chicken. Transfer to a large bowl. Add lettuce, cucumbers, onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Pour oil and lemon juice over and toss to coat.
Spread about 1/4 cup romesco sauce across each plate, then top with salad. Sprinkle with paprika, if using.