Grilled Chicken Breast Salad with Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing
This vibrant and healthy chicken breast salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It’s filled with fresh, crunchy vegetables and juicy grilled chicken, all brought together with a simple yet flavorful lemon-olive oil dressing. The combination of these ingredients makes for a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups of mixed lettuce (Romaine, iceberg, or any preferred mix)
- 2 large tomatoes, diced or sliced into wedges
- 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 1/4 cup of black olives, pitted and halved (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
For the Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing:
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for a bit of tang)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance the acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. If you prefer more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic powder for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Brush the grill with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165Β°F (75Β°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized cubes.
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad base. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and black olives (if using).
- Ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed so that each bite is balanced with flavor and texture.
3. Make the Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), minced garlic, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- The mustard helps emulsify the dressing, giving it a creamy texture, while the honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon juice.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- Add the grilled chicken slices or cubes to the salad bowl with the vegetables.
- Drizzle the lemon-olive oil dressing over the top. Start with about half the dressing, toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients, and then add more dressing as needed. This ensures the salad is well-dressed without being overdressed.
5. Final Touches:
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice, depending on your preference.
- For a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds over the salad, such as sliced almonds or sunflower seeds.
- If you enjoy a bit of cheese in your salad, feta or Parmesan would complement the flavors well.
6. Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately, while the chicken is still warm. The combination of warm grilled chicken and fresh, crisp vegetables is truly delightful.
- This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or paired with a slice of crusty bread for a more filling option.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Alternatives: If you prefer a different protein, grilled shrimp, tofu, or even a boiled egg would be great substitutes.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, radishes, or avocados for added flavor and nutrition.
- Grains: For a heartier salad, you can add a grain like quinoa, farro, or couscous to the mix. These grains add texture and make the salad more filling.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro can brighten up the salad and add another layer of flavor.
This grilled chicken breast salad is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is sure to please with its fresh flavors and satisfying textures. Enjoy!