Chicken Cordon Bleu Salad

Chicken Cordon Bleu Salad

1 pound fingerling or small yukon gold potatoes, quartered lengthwise
Salt and pepper
2 chicken cutlets (4 ounces each)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus more for drizzling
1/2 pound 1/2-inch-thick ham steak
1 large shallot
1/4 cup grainy dijon mustard
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/3 pound thick deli-sliced swiss cheese
1 celery root, peeled and cut into matchsticks (or use 2 stalks of celery, sliced on the diagonal)
2 carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
1 bunch watercress, trimmed
1 baguette, warmed, for serving
Butter, for serving

Directions:

1.In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, salt the water and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water; drain well.

Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add the cutlets and cook, turning once, until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add the ham steak to the skillet and cook, turning once, until browned, about 5 minutes.

While the meats cook, grate the shallot into the bottom of a large salad bowl. Whisk in the mustard, vinegar and honey, then whisk in 1/3 cup EVOO. Season with the thyme, salt and pepper.

Cut the chicken, ham and swiss cheese into thin strips and add to the dressing. Add the celery root, carrots and potatoes. Toss to coat well. Divide the salad among plates garnished with the watercress leaves. Serve with the baguette and butter.

Recipe Source: Rachael Ray