Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Recipe
Chicken Salad Recipe is the ideal fusion of vivid tastes, lean protein, and fresh greens. It’s a terrific option for a filling lunch or dinner because it’s light, nutritious, and full of nutrients. The grilled chicken makes a delectably soft and fragrant salad centerpiece because it is marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture. This salad is a refreshing, high-protein, and delicious combination of crisp veggies and a mild dressing.
Chicken Salad Recipe:
Ingredients:
Regarding the marinade for chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- One-fourth cup of olive oil
- One lemon’s juice
- One lemon’s zest
- Two minced garlic cloves
- One teaspoon of dried thyme or one tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
- One teaspoon of dried rosemary or one tablespoon of fresh rosemary
- One teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- One teaspoon of honey, if desired for sweetness
- To taste, add salt and pepper.
For the Salad:
- Four cups of mixed greens, including romaine, spinach, and arugula
- Half a cucumber, cut thinly
- One cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half; half a red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of optional feta cheese
- 1/4 cup roasted seeds (like sunflower seeds) or nuts (like walnuts or almonds)
- 1/4 cup optional Kalamata olives
For the Dressing:
- Three teaspoons of olive oil
- One tablespoon of balsamic or red wine vinegar
- One teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- One teaspoon of optional honey
- To taste, add salt and pepper.
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using) in a small bowl to marinate the chicken. To taste, add salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least half an hour to two hours after sealing. The chicken will be more tasty the longer it marinates.
- Make the Salad: Get the salad ingredients ready while the chicken marinates. The mixed greens, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives (if used) should all be combined in a big bowl. Put aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high temperature before grilling the chicken. After taking the chicken out of the marinade, throw away any extra marinade. The chicken should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C, after grilling for 6–7 minutes on each side. Slice the chicken into thin strips after letting it rest for five minutes.
- Prepare the dressing: Mix the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. As necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Put the salad together: To assemble the salad, place the slices of grilled chicken over the prepared salad. For extra crunch, top with toasted nuts or seeds and drizzle with the homemade dressing. Combine all ingredients and serve right away.
How to Make the Perfect Grilled Chicken Salad:
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For added flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or even overnight, if you can, so the lemon and herbs can infuse the chicken.
- Grill or Pan-Sear: Pan-sear or grill: For a similar effect, pan-sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil if you don’t have a grill.
- Customize Your Salad: To make it a heartier meal, feel free to add your favorite salad components, such as avocado, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
- Make it Vegan: Turn it into a vegan meal: For a plant-based protein substitute, use tempeh or tofu instead of chicken. Tofu can be marinated similarly to chicken and grilled to add more flavor.
- Add More Texture: To add even more protein and healthy fats to the salad, mix with quinoa, avocado, or cooked eggs.
Nutritional Data (per portion):
Based on four meals, omitting the olives and feta.
- 300–350 kcal, depending on the ingredients
- 30-35g of protein (from chicken)
- 10–12g of carbohydrates
- 18–22g of fat (good fats from almonds and olive oil)
- 3–4g of fiber
- 4-5g of sugar (natural sugars from lemon and vegetables)
Note: Depending on the serving size and certain components (such as cheese, almonds, etc.), nutritional values may change.
Why do you like this salad?
- Healthy & Packed with Nutrients: Fresh veggies like spinach, arugula, and cherry tomatoes offer vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while grilled chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein.
- Low-Calorie & Satisfying: This salad is satisfying without being heavy in calories because to its abundance of greens and lean protein. Anyone who wants to eat healthy without compromising flavor will love it.
- Versatile & Customizable: You may quickly modify the salad by adding your own dressing, nuts, or seeds to suit your tastes. Additionally, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover grains or vegetables.
- Easy & Fast: The chicken grills in less than 15 minutes, and the marinade just takes a few minutes to make. It only takes a few extra minutes to put together the salad itself.
Summary:
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is a filling, light dish that works well for lunch or dinner. The chicken is infused with vibrant, fresh aromas from the zesty marinade, which complements the crisp vegetables and tart dressing. Anyone who wants to eat healthily while still having a satisfying and tasty supper should try this salad. It’s perfect for hectic days or meal planning for the coming week because it’s simple to create, flexible, and ready in less than an hour.
Chicken Salad Recipe: FAQs
Q 1. What are the benefits of Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Salad?
Ans. A nutritious, low-calorie lunch that is high in lean protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals is grilled chicken salad. The vegetables supply minerals and antioxidants that promote immunity and digestion, while the chicken supplies protein that builds muscle. It’s a filling and healthy choice for a well-rounded supper.
Q 2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
Ans. Let the chicken marinade for at least half an hour for the maximum flavor. For a stronger flavor, you can marinade it in the refrigerator for up to two hours or even overnight.
Q 3. How can I make the salad spicier?
Ans. You can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade to make your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Salad hotter. Before serving, top the salad with sriracha or hot sauce for an added kick. For added spiciness, you may also mix in some jalapeños or chili powder with the dressing or veggies.
Q 4. What other vegetables can I add to the salad?
Ans. To improve the taste and texture of your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Salad, you can incorporate a range of veggies. Add roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, warm touch, bell peppers for sweetness and crunch, cucumber for freshness, shredded carrots for color and a hint of sweetness, or avocado for smoothness. Depending on your taste, broccoli, beets, or radishes can also be excellent additions.
Q 5. Can I make this salad without the chicken?
Ans. Yes, you can simply prepare a vegetarian or plant-based version of the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Salad without the chicken. For protein, you can use grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas in place of the chicken. Try adding avocado or quinoa for more texture and heartiness. The salad will still be tasty and filling thanks to its vibrant dressing and fresh vegetables.