Here’s a detailed recipe for a delicious and refreshing Grilled Chicken Salad:
Grilled Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine, etc.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or any preferred nuts (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the chicken breasts with the olive oil mixture on both sides.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill.
- Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds if using.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Place the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve the grilled chicken salad immediately. Enjoy!
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the olive oil mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling.
- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add-ins, such as bell peppers, olives, or croutons.
- This salad pairs well with a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea on a warm summer day.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Salad!