In our household, we regard this particular recipe as a nutritious grilled chicken salad, attributed to its delectable creamy dressing. The pecans and grapes bring a unique twist to it. This grilled chicken salad is incredibly versatile, perfect for meal planning, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for salad recipes with chicken that work for lunch or dinner.
If you’re in the mood for something fresh and tangy on the side, try making a Korean Cucumber Salad. It’s light, refreshing, and pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken for a balanced, nutritious meal.
Key Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe:
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this Red Beans and Rice flavourful and balanced:
- ◉ Grilled Chicken Breasts: You’ll need two large grilled chicken breasts to create this recipe. They add a juicy, protein-packed base to your salad and keep it satisfying.
- ◉ Toasted Pecans: A cup of toasted pecans gives the salad a delicious crunch. Toasting brings out their flavour and adds a nutty balance to this grilled chicken salad.
- ◉ Red Seedless Grapes: Two cups of red seedless grapes provide a sweet, juicy contrast to the savoury chicken. They make this salad with chicken feel fresh and light.
- ◉ Fresh Celery: Chop about one cup of celery to add a crisp texture. The mild flavour is perfect for keeping the salad balanced and crunchy.
- ◉ Red Onion: A half cup of finely chopped red onion adds just enough sharpness to complement the other flavours without overwhelming them.
- ◉ Real Mayonnaise: For the dressing, use half a cup of real mayonnaise. It makes the salad creamy and holds all the ingredients together beautifully.
- ◉ Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Add half a cup of sour cream for a tangy, rich dressing. If you’re after a lighter option, Greek yogurt works just as well, keeping it a healthy grilled chicken salad.
- ◉ Fresh Lemon Juice: Two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice brighten up the whole dish, adding a light, zesty flavour to the dressing.
- ◉ Fresh Dill: Two tablespoons of fresh dill (or parsley if you prefer) give this grilled chicken salad recipe a fresh, herbaceous touch that really enhances the flavour.
- ◉ Salt and Black Pepper: Season with half a teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste, making sure the flavours of this healthy grilled chicken salad come together just right.
How to make Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe step by step:
1
Toasting pecans
- ◉ We’ll begin by toasting one cup of pecans. Lightly toast these on a dry skillet over medium-low heat until they’re golden and fragrant. Toss the nuts frequently to avoid burning. Once they turn golden, transfer them to a cutting board and coarsely chop them. Set aside to cool.
PRO TIPS
- When making this best grilled chicken salad recipe, use fresh herbs like dill or parsley. They brighten the flavours and add depth, making it one of the 10 best chicken salad recipes you’ll want to recreate over and over again.
2
Preparing chicken fruit & veggies
- ◉ We’ll be using two large chicken breasts for this simple healthy grilled chicken salad recipe. If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken works just as well. Dice up the chicken into bite-sized pieces—about four cups in total. This is key for getting the best texture in your salad. Add the chicken to a large mixing bowl.
- ◉ Now we move to the fresh ingredients. Chop about one cup of celery (two to three sticks) after trimming the ends. Cut them in half lengthwise before finely chopping. Add to the bowl with your chicken. Next, slice up two cups of red seedless grapes. Red grapes not only bring sweetness but also add a vibrant colour to this salad with chicken. Add them to the bowl. Then, chop half a red onion finely, about half a cup, and add it to the mix. Don’t forget to add the toasted pecans too.
3
The chicken salad dressing:
- ◉ For the dressing, start with half a cup of real mayonnaise and half a cup of sour cream (or use fat-free Greek yogurt for a lighter option). Add two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and make sure it’s fresh for the best flavour. Stir in two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill, which adds a refreshing twist. Finally, season with half a teaspoon of salt and ground black pepper to taste. This dressing pairs perfectly with your grilled chicken salad recipe and enhances the overall flavour.
4
Combining everything:
- ◉ Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the salad. Mix until everything is well-coated and creamy. The beauty of this grilled chicken salad for weight loss is its versatility. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and it still tastes amazing for days.
5
Serve
- ◉ This salad is great for any meal. Serve it as a simple grilled chicken salad recipe in lettuce cups for a gluten-free option or on a bed of greens for a light, low-carb meal. The creamy dressing makes it a fantastic green salad with grilled chicken recipe. You can also turn it into a hearty sandwich using croissants for a treat!
Recipe:
Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe
Learn how to make a healthy grilled chicken salad packed with flavour, perfect for weight loss and meal prep. This simple recipe is filled with fresh ingredients and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup cucumbers (sliced)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste for dressing)
Instructions
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the chicken is grilling, wash and chop the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Arrange them in a large salad bowl.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add the sliced grilled chicken to the bowl of vegetables. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, healthy grilled chicken salad.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350