Rocket revolution: Elevate your winter salad game

In winter, the range of fresh vegetables is limited, and they often don't taste as good as they do in summer. However, it's wise not to eliminate them from your diet. They are great atop sandwiches and particularly in salads.

In winter, it's worthwhile choosing a readily available rocket that stays fresh for an extended period when stored correctly. While we often treat it like lettuce, it belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is related to radishes and horseradish. It has a distinctive, slightly spicy and nutty flavour.

Rocket contains eight times more calcium and five times more vitamin C than iceberg lettuce. It's also a fantastic source of vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like potassium and iron. Hence, it bolsters the immune system. Its composition also includes sulfoquinovose, which aids digestion and positively influences gut flora. There are numerous reasons to include these green leaves in a winter diet.

What pairs well with rocket? Many ingredients complement it, as its slightly spicy taste goes brilliantly with eggs, other vegetables, cheeses, nuts, or even fruits.

Chef’s salad is a straightforward yet extraordinarily tasty dish. Simply add eggs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and roasted or grilled chicken breast. Croutons wonderfully enhance the salad and, of course, greens like parsley or dill. A simple vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch, which beautifully accentuates the flavour of the rocket.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast,
• Rocket or mixed greens — a handful per person,
• 10 cherry tomatoes,
• 1-2 cucumbers,
• 2 hard-boiled eggs,
• 2-3 slices of bread for croutons,
• Salt and pepper to taste,
• Paprika, oregano to taste,
• Olive oil to taste,
• Dill or parsley (optional).

For the vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil,
• Teaspoon of lemon juice,
• Half a teaspoon of honey,
• Salt and pepper to taste,
• Garlic clove (optional).

Preparation:

1. Wash, dry, and cut the chicken breast into strips. Rub them with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and olive oil, and grill in a frying pan.
2. Cut the tomatoes in half and the cucumber into slices.
3. Place the rocket in a bowl, then add the cherry tomatoes and cucumber.
4. Cut the bread into small squares and prepare croutons on a dry frying pan.
5. Add the chicken and croutons to the rocket.
6. Place the pieces of hard-boiled egg on top.
7. Prepare the dressing using the ingredients listed above. Pour it over the salad and mix well.
8. Sprinkle the whole dish with finely chopped greens.