There’s nothing quite like a fresh, vibrant meal that leaves you feeling light and energized, right? That’s why I absolutely adore this Grilled Chicken Salad! It’s the perfect combination of juicy, flavorful grilled chicken and crisp veggies, all tossed together with a zesty dressing. I remember the first time I made this salad for a summer picnic—it was a hit! Everyone kept coming back for more, and I couldn’t help but feel proud. Trust me, this salad is not just healthy; it’s also bursting with flavor and makes for a delightful meal any time of the year.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Salad
To whip up this delicious Grilled Chicken Salad, you’ll need some fresh and vibrant ingredients that make all the difference! Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens, washed and dried
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for a sweet burst
- 1 cucumber, sliced thinly for crunch
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced for a bit of zing
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled for creaminess
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced for that briny flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, the good quality stuff!
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, to tie it all together
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Using fresh ingredients really amps up the flavor, so don’t skip on quality!
How to Prepare Grilled Chicken Salad
Preparing this Grilled Chicken Salad is a breeze, and I can’t wait to walk you through it! The key is to keep things simple and fresh. Let’s dive in!
Grilling the Chicken
First things first, fire up that grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat—around 375°F (190°C) is perfect. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep all those delicious juices in.
Preparing the Salad Base
While the chicken is grilling, grab a large bowl and toss in your mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta, and olives. Just imagine the colorful mix! Give it a gentle stir to combine everything evenly.
Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. I love how the oil and vinegar create that perfect tangy dressing! Make sure it’s well blended for the best flavor.
Assembling the Salad
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the sliced chicken on top of your salad base, then drizzle that delightful dressing over everything. Toss gently to combine, making sure every bite gets coated in flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy that fresh, satisfying crunch!
Tips for Success
To make your Grilled Chicken Salad absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always opt for the freshest ingredients you can find—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor! Don’t hesitate to customize your salad with your favorite veggies; bell peppers, avocados, or even some roasted corn can add a lovely twist. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños! And remember, letting your grilled chicken rest before slicing helps keep it juicy. You’ll want to savor every bite of this deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful Grilled Chicken Salad: about 350 calories, 20g of fat (with 5g saturated fat), and a hearty 30g of protein. You’ll also get 10g of carbohydrates, 3g of fiber, and 500mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these are rough estimates, but a healthy and satisfying choice for any meal!
FAQ About Grilled Chicken Salad
Got questions about this tasty Grilled Chicken Salad? I’ve got answers! One common question is, Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely! Leftover grilled chicken works great and saves time. Another popular one is, What dressing goes best? While the balsamic vinaigrette is my favorite, a lemon vinaigrette or ranch would also be delicious. You might wonder, Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that fresh crunch. Finally, Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Definitely! It holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it perfect for lunches! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from grilled chicken and plenty of fresh veggies, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence.
- Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in about 30 minutes!
- Flavorful: The combination of juicy chicken, crisp greens, and tangy dressing creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
- Customizable: Dress it up with your favorite ingredients or toppings for a fresh twist each time you make it!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a light lunch, picnic, or dinner, this salad suits any meal and is sure to impress.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this tasty salad!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep the dressing separate to maintain that crispness. Reheating isn’t necessary; enjoy your Grilled Chicken Salad cold for a refreshing bite anytime!
For more delicious recipes, check out Grilled Chicken Caprese or Cheesy Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich.
Print
Grilled Chicken Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Flavorful Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A healthy and delicious grilled chicken salad.
Ingredients
- 2 grilled chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sliced chicken to the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- This salad can be served as a main dish or a side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Grilled Chicken Salad