Chicken ‘steaks’ brighten simple salad

If I had to choose one recipe that defined summer on a plate, it would be lemon chicken steaks with summer salad.

I love making this meal-in-one at the end of the summer when the farmers markets and backyard gardens are bursting with cucumbers and tomatoes. It’s a great way to use all that extra produce.

The chicken “steaks” start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are lightly pounded until they are about a half-inch think. This allows the chicken to cook quickly and evenly. For all those cooks who are nervous about pounding the chicken, here is a foolproof approach.

To start, remove the tenderloin from the backsides of the chicken breasts (they can be saved and used for something else). Coat the breasts with oil, then place them one at a time in a zip-close plastic bag. The oil is essential, as it will prevent the chicken from shredding as it is pounded.

Close the bag and, using a rolling pin or meat pounder, pound away until the chicken breast is large and evenly flat. You can do this step up to a day ahead and keep the chicken in the refrigerator in the closed bag until you are ready to cook.

Elizabeth A. Karmel created this recipe, which is perfect for the end of summer when farmers markets and backyard gardens are bursting with cucumbers and tomatoes. (Associated Press)

The beauty of this salad is that there is no lettuce, so the salad can be made in advance and left undressed. The base of the salad is comprised of chunks of cucumber, tomato, onions, feta cheese and black olives. You could add mushrooms or sugar snap peas or radishes, anything you like or you need to use up.

It’s best to do the chopping and mixing before you grill the chicken, as it won’t take long on the grill and you’ll want to serve the chicken soon after it cooks.

I prefer using an outdoor grill because there is virtually nothing to clean, but you also can use a grill pan. The chicken is grilled with a light coat of olive oil and seasoned simply with kosher salt and pepper.

The real magic happens when the grilling is done. As soon as the chicken comes off the grill, squeeze fresh lemon juice over both sides of the meat. The hot chicken absorbs the lemon juice as it rests and it makes all the difference. The chicken sparkles like a star and takes this salad from simple to spectacular.

Wait five minutes and place a chicken “steak” on top of the salad and serve with a dollop of tzatziki — garlic-cucumber yogurt dressing.

The tzatziki can be made up to three days in advance. The flavors intensify and taste better once they have had a chance to meld. The recipe will make about 2 cups, and you will have leftovers. It also makes a delicious dip and sandwich spread. The chicken also is good served on top of a Greek salad with a spicy oregano vinaigrette.

LEMON CHICKEN ‘STEAKS’ WITH SUMMER SALAD AND TZATZIKI

For the salad:

4 medium fully ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges

1 cucumber, peeled and cut into ½-inch chunks

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