Description
A fresh, healthy grilled chicken salad featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts served over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and a tangy balsamic mustard dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad combines simple ingredients and quick grilling for a delicious, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup croutons (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats, rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to evenly coat and season them.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced cucumber, and sliced avocado. If desired, sprinkle feta cheese and croutons on top for added texture and flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Slice the rested grilled chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Place them on top of the prepared salad greens. Drizzle with the prepared balsamic dressing just before serving, tossing lightly if preferred.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature (165°F) for safety and juiciness.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps keep it tender.
- Feta cheese and croutons are optional but add extra flavor and crunch.
- This salad can be customized with additional vegetables or nuts as desired.
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil for the best dressing taste.
