Grilled Chicken Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines tender marinated chicken breasts, grilled to perfection, with a medley of fresh vegetables and flavorful toppings. This salad offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it a satisfying option for both lunch and dinner.Dinner at the Zoo
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Nutrition: Combining lean protein from the grilled chicken with a variety of fresh vegetables, this salad provides a well-rounded meal rich in essential nutrients.Well Plated
- Versatility: Easily customizable to suit personal preferences or dietary restrictions by adding or substituting ingredients.
- Flavorful Marinade and Dressing: Utilizing a lemon herb marinade that doubles as a dressing infuses the salad with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.Cafe Delites
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, coarsely choppedDinner at the Zoo+1Delish+1
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halvedDinner at the Zoo
- 3/4 cup cucumber, choppedDinner at the Zoo
- 3/4 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)Dinner at the Zoo+1People.com+1
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly slicedDinner at the Zoo
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbledDinner at the Zoo
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbledDinner at the Zoo
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and slicedDinner at the Zoo+1Eating Bird Food+1
- 3 tablespoons lemon juiceDinner at the Zoo
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustardDinner at the Zoo
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegarDinner at the Zoo
- 2 tablespoons finely minced shallotDinner at the Zoo
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsleyDinner at the Zoo
- 2/3 cup olive oilDinner at the Zoo+1Grub Street+1
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade/Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced shallot, dried oregano, dried parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them, reserving the other half for dressing. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 8 hours for enhanced flavor).Dinner at the Zoo
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and browned. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.Dinner at the Zoo
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, corn, red onion, bacon, blue cheese, and avocado. Toss gently to mix.Dinner at the Zoo
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the reserved dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to ensure even coating. Top with sliced grilled chicken and serve immediately.Delish
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutesFood Network+9EatingWell+9Southern Living+9
- Marinating Time: 1 hour (or up to 8 hours)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutesGrub Street+3EatingWell+3Simply Recipes+3
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute grilled chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different protein source.
- Cheese Options: Replace blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to enhance the salad’s texture and taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Well Plated
- Reheating: Enjoy the salad cold, or gently warm the grilled chicken slices in a skillet over medium heat before adding to the salad.
FAQs
What type of lettuce is best for grilled chicken salad?
Romaine lettuce is commonly used due to its crisp texture and sturdy leaves, but mixed greens or spinach can also be excellent choices.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this salad?
Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time; however, grilling fresh chicken with the marinade enhances flavor.
How can I make this salad dairy-free?
Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make the salad suitable for dairy-free diets.
What other dressings pair well with grilled chicken salad?
A balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or creamy avocado dressing can complement the flavors of grilled chicken salad.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating adds flavor and tenderness to the chicken, but if short on time, seasoning and grilling without marinating is acceptable.
Can I prepare the salad ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing ahead of time; store them separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Toss avocado slices in lemon juice to slow oxidation and prevent browning.
What can I use instead of bacon?
For a pork-free option, consider using turkey bacon or omitting it entirely.
How can I make the salad more filling?
Adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or a boiled egg can increase the salad’s satiety value.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, store components separately and combine them just before eating to maintain freshness and texture.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken Salad is a wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or a hearty dinner. With its combination of tender grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, it offers both nutrition and taste in every bite. Its versatility allows for numerous customizations, making it easy to adapt to your dietary preferences. Whether you’re preparing it ahead of time for meal prep or serving it fresh off the grill, this salad is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Print
This grilled chicken salad is a fresh and nutritious dish packed with juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives
- 2 tbsp feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Assemble greens, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and olives in a bowl.
- Top with grilled chicken and feta, then drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Swap balsamic vinaigrette for honey mustard dressing for a different taste.