There’s something about the smoky char of grilled chicken that can transform any salad from a mere side dish to a show-stopping main course. This dish is a symphony of textures and flavors, combining the succulent juiciness of chicken, the crispness of fresh greens, and the tangy punch of a homemade dressing.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next barbecue or simply seeking a quick and healthy dinner option, this Grilled Chicken Salad ticks all the boxes. It’s adaptable to your palate, allowing for various herbs and spices to season the chicken, and it’s friendly to all kinds of dietary restrictions with just a few adjustments. So, let’s dive into the simplicity of making this wholesome, delectable salad that promises to be a staple in your recipe collection.
Add Salads Into Your Daily Routine
Eating salads is a super-convenient way to work in a couple of servings of vegetables and/or fruit. Here are several reasons why incorporating salads into your everyday life can be beneficial for your health:
Nutrient Rich: Lettuce and dark leafy greens, which are commonly used as salad bases, are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, and also contain folate and iron. These nutrients are essential for maintaining many bodily functions, including bone health, vision, and the immune system.
High in Fiber: Salads are high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and prevent constipation. High fiber salads eaten before a meal tend to help you consume less of the higher calorie foods served afterward. This fiber fullness side effect can help you control weight.
Disease Prevention: Eating a high-fiber diet can lower your risk for many conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, such as vitamins C and A, can protect against cancer and other chronic diseases.
Good for Skin and Hair: The vitamins and minerals in salads can also enhance the health of your skin and hair. Vitamin A can aid skin maintenance and repair, so snacks and meals such as salads can contribute to a radiant complexion and healthy hair.
Hydration: Vegetables and fruits have a high water content, which helps keep your body hydrated and your metabolic processes functioning efficiently.
Weight Management: Salads can be low in calories but full of satiety-inducing fiber and protein, making them a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight. Just be mindful of the amount of high-calorie toppings and dressings.
Promotes Good Sleep: Certain salad ingredients, such as lettuce and cherries, contain sleep-inducing substances like lactucarium and melatonin, which may help improve sleep quality.
Adding salads into your daily routine is a straightforward and tasty approach to boost your health and ensure that you’re getting a variety of nutrients on a regular basis. Remember, the best salads are the ones that you enjoy eating, so feel free to get creative with ingredients, textures, and flavors.
Enjoy your meal, knowing you’ve made a choice that’s as good for your health as it is delightful to your taste buds. Bon appétit!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for grilling
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: Avocado slices, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts or seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the salad by combining the greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil with the balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Divide the salad among plates and top each with sliced grilled chicken.
- Add any additional garnishes like avocado, cheese, or nuts as desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors!
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite herbs and spices mixed with olive oil for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stove works just as well for achieving those coveted grill marks.
- Feel free to swap out the salad greens for whatever is freshest at your market or even from your own garden.
EQUIPMENT
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk