Lebanese Chicken Salad

• HEALTHY

Chicken

1. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2. 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
3. 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4. 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
5. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
6. 1 teaspoon ground sumac or 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
7. 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
8. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
9. 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds)

Salad

1. 2 large pita breads, split horizontally
2. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3. 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
4. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
5. 1/3 cup canola oil
6. 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
7. Salt and freshly ground pepper
8. 1 large romaine lettuce heart, cut crosswise into 1-inch strips
9. 1 pound ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/2-inch dice
10. 1/2 small European cucumber—peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
11. 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
12. 1/2 cup purslane or watercress leaves
13. 2 tablespoons chopped mint
14. 1 1/2 teaspoons ground sumac or 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1. In a blender, combine the olive oil, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, sumac, coriander and cayenne; puree until smooth. Pour the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken, seal the bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
2. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Remove the chicken from the marinade; reserve the marinade. Grill the thighs over a medium-hot fire, turning occasionally and brushing with the marinade until browned and cooked through, about 18 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3. Preheat the oven to 300°. Bake the pitas directly on the rack for 10 minutes, or until dry and crisp but not browned. Let cool, then break into 1-inch pieces.
4. In a bowl, whisk the lemon juice with the vinegar and mustard. Slowly whisk in the canola and olive oils until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, purslane, mint and sumac with 1/2 cup of the dressing. Add the pita pieces and toss; add more dressing if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the salad to a platter, top with the chicken and pass the remaining dressing separately.