Grilled Chicken Salad is a versatile, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It combines the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with the crispness of fresh vegetables and the zing of a homemade dressing. This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a light summer meal or a protein-packed lunch, this Grilled Chicken Salad is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
For the grilled chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the salad:
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, etc.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cutting board and knife
- Serving plates
Instructions
- Prepare and grill the chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush this mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set aside.
- Prepare the salad ingredients:
- Wash and dry the salad greens.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Slice the cucumber and red onion.
- Toast the almonds:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until lightly golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Watch them closely as they can burn quickly.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Toss with about half of the dressing.
- Divide the salad mixture among four plates.
- Finish and serve:
- Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top of the salads.
- Sprinkle each salad with crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds.
- Drizzle with the remaining dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh Grilled Chicken Salad!
Tips and Variations
- Protein options: Substitute grilled chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for variety.
- Add more vegetables: Consider adding avocado, bell peppers, or grilled corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese variations: Try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta.
- Nut alternatives: Use pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds in place of almonds.
- Make it a meal prep: Grill extra chicken and prepare additional veggies to assemble quick salads throughout the week.
- Dressing variations: Experiment with different vinaigrettes or try a creamy dressing like ranch or Caesar.
This Grilled Chicken Salad is a perfect example of how a nutritious meal can also be bursting with flavor. The combination of smoky grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, tangy feta, crunchy almonds, and zesty balsamic dressing creates a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that will satisfy your palate and nourish your body.
One of the best aspects of this salad is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what’s in season, what you have on hand, or simply according to your preferences. This makes it an excellent go-to recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re looking to impress guests with a light yet satisfying meal.
Remember, the key to a great salad is freshness and balance. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of greens, vegetables, and proteins. The grilled chicken adds a wonderful smoky flavor and hearty protein, but the salad can easily be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets by substituting the chicken with grilled tofu or additional vegetables.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this Grilled Chicken Salad fits the bill. It’s a testament to the fact that eating healthily doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Enjoy your homemade Grilled Chicken Salad and feel good about nourishing your body with this delicious, balanced meal!
