We’ve always been fans of Liezl Jayne Strydom’s innovative recipes that blend bold flavors with healthy twists. Originating from South Africa her creations draw from fresh ingredients and simple techniques making them perfect for busy home cooks who crave nutritious meals without the fuss.
In our kitchen we love how these recipes promote balance and creativity whether you’re diving into low-carb options or vibrant salads. Let’s explore how her approach can transform your everyday cooking into something truly exciting.
Ingredients
In our journey through Liezl Jayne Strydom’s innovative recipes, we focus on the fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients that define her approach to blending bold flavors with healthy, easy-to-prepare meals for busy home cooks.
For this vibrant low-carb salad—a signature style reflecting her expertise—we’ve curated the ingredients below in the order they are used during preparation. Each item highlights specific prep notes to ensure accuracy and optimal results.
- Base Vegetables (for the foundation): 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried to maintain crispness; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for even distribution and quick marination.
- Proteins (added next for structure): 150g grilled chicken breast, sliced into thin strips to enhance tenderness and absorb flavors; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled for a tangy contrast that complements the greens.
- Crunchy Add-ins (incorporated for texture): 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and roughly chopped to add a nutty crunch without overpowering the dish; 1 avocado, pitted and diced just before assembly to prevent browning.
- Dressings and Seasonings (used to finish): 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra-virgin for its rich flavor profile; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, whisked in for a sharp, acidic balance; salt and pepper, to taste, freshly ground for enhanced aroma.
This selection showcases the balance of nutrients and creativity in Liezl Jayne Strydom’s recipes, making it simple to achieve delicious, health-focused results in your kitchen.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing Liezl Jayne Strydom’s vibrant low-carb salad with simple, step-by-step actions that highlight her innovative blend of bold flavors and healthy ingredients. Let’s transform these nutrient-packed elements into a delicious, balanced meal.
Prep
First, we rinse the fresh spinach under cold water to remove any grit, then pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel for that crisp, vibrant base. Next, we halve the cherry tomatoes for even flavor distribution, chop the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces, and slice the avocado to preserve its creamy texture. We also roughly chop the crunchy almonds to add a satisfying nutty contrast, ensuring all ingredients are prepped and ready for cooking.
Cook
We start by heating a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oiling it to prevent sticking. Place the chicken pieces on the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping once for even browning and a juicy, flavorful result. While the chicken rests for 2 minutes, we whisk together the dressing in a small bowl: combine 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the tangy notes that tie Liezl Jayne Strydom’s recipes together.
Assemble
We begin by layering the fresh spinach as the base in a large salad bowl to showcase its earthy greens. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado on top for a colorful, nutrient-rich display, followed by the cooked chicken and crumbled feta cheese for a protein-packed boost. Sprinkle the chopped almonds over the mixture, then drizzle the prepared dressing evenly to coat everything, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that embody the creativity of Liezl Jayne Strydom’s low-carb salads.
Tools and Equipment
To bring Liezl Jayne Strydom’s innovative low-carb salad to life, we rely on a selection of essential tools that streamline the preparation process and ensure our ingredients shine with fresh flavors and textures. Building on the ingredient prep and cooking steps outlined earlier, these tools help us handle rinsing, cutting, grilling, and assembling with precision and ease.
Here’s a detailed list of the key tools, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Salad Spinner: We start with this versatile tool to rinse and dry the fresh spinach quickly, removing excess moisture for a crisp base that enhances the salad’s vibrant appeal.
- Chef’s Knife: A must-have for precise cutting, we use it to halve the cherry tomatoes and slice avocado, ensuring even pieces that blend seamlessly with other elements for optimal texture.
- Cutting Board: We pair this with the chef’s knife for a stable surface, making it safer and more efficient to prepare ingredients like almonds and feta while minimizing mess.
- Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: For grilling the chicken to perfection, we recommend this robust option to achieve that smoky flavor and tender protein, aligning with Strydom’s emphasis on healthy, bold tastes.
- Mixing Bowl: We use a large one to combine the dressing ingredients—extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar—allowing for easy whisking and even coating.
- Whisk or Fork: This simple yet effective tool helps us blend the dressing smoothly, ensuring it emulsifies well and adds balanced flavor without lumps.
- Tongs: We grab these for flipping and handling the grilled chicken, preventing burns and maintaining food safety during the cooking phase.
By selecting high-quality tools like these, we make Liezl Jayne Strydom recipes accessible for busy home cooks, turning everyday ingredients into nutritious, creative meals with minimal effort.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make Liezl Jayne Strydom’s vibrant low-carb salad even more accessible for our busy schedules, we recommend preparing components in advance while preserving the fresh flavors and nutrient-packed textures that define her recipes. This approach ensures you can enjoy a wholesome meal without last-minute rush, maintaining the balance of bold tastes and healthy ingredients she champions.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We suggest tackling the base elements first to keep everything crisp and ready:
- Wash and store greens: Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water, then use a salad spinner to dry it completely. Store the spinach in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This step helps retain its vibrant green color and crunch.
- Prep vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the avocado just before storing to minimize oxidation. Place the tomatoes in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and if preparing avocado, toss it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to prevent browning, then store it separately for 1–2 days.
- Cook protein in advance: Grill the chicken breasts seasoned with herbs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal juiciness. Let them cool, then slice and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or enjoy cold for a refreshing twist in your salad.
Making and Storing the Dressing
Our favorite part of Liezl Jayne Strydom recipes is the flavorful dressing that ties everything together. Prepare it ahead to let the flavors meld:
- Combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small jar. Shake vigorously to emulsify, then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Remember to bring it to room temperature and shake again before use to restore its silky texture and tangy balance.
Assembly and Storage Tips
For the best results, avoid full assembly until serving time to prevent sogginess:
- Layer for freshness: If making a full batch, store prepped ingredients separately in the fridge. When ready, layer the spinach base with grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, crunchy almonds, and sliced avocado in a large bowl.
- Reheating guidelines: If using pre-cooked chicken, we advise warming it briefly in a pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes to enhance its savory appeal without overcooking.
By following these steps, we can maximize the nutritious creativity in Liezl Jayne Strydom’s low-carb salad, making it a go-to option for efficient, health-focused meals.
Conclusion
We’ve loved diving into Liezl Jayne Strydom’s recipes and how they bring fresh energy to our kitchens. Her approach inspires us to create balanced, nutritious meals that fit our busy lives without sacrificing flavor. Let’s embrace this creativity to elevate our everyday cooking and enjoy healthier choices that truly nourish us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Liezl Jayne Strydom?
Liezl Jayne Strydom is a South African chef renowned for her innovative recipes that blend bold flavors with healthy ingredients. She’s popular among busy home cooks for creating nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals like low-carb options and vibrant salads. Her work emphasizes balance and creativity in everyday cooking, helping people enjoy delicious, health-focused dishes.
What are the key ingredients in her signature low-carb salad?
Her signature low-carb salad features fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes as the base, with grilled chicken and feta cheese for protein. It includes crunchy almonds and creamy avocado for texture, plus a simple dressing of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This combination delivers nutrient-packed flavors while keeping carbs low and meals satisfying.
How do you prepare Liezl Jayne Strydom’s low-carb salad?
Start by rinsing and drying fresh spinach, then halve cherry tomatoes. Grill chicken until fully cooked, and assemble by layering spinach, tomatoes, chicken, feta, almonds, and avocado. Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing, and drizzle over the salad. The process takes about 20-30 minutes and focuses on fresh techniques for optimal taste.
What tools are needed to make this salad?
Essential tools include a salad spinner for rinsing spinach, a chef’s knife and cutting board for precise chopping, a grill pan for cooking chicken, and a mixing bowl for the dressing. These items help streamline preparation, ensuring fresh flavors and textures while making the recipe accessible for home cooks.
Can I prepare Liezl Jayne Strydom’s low-carb salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep components ahead of time to save effort. Wash and store greens, chop vegetables, and cook chicken in advance, keeping them separate to maintain freshness. Make the dressing early to let flavors meld, but assemble the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess. This approach makes it ideal for busy schedules while preserving nutrients.