Recipe For Grilled Chicken Salad

Ways To Personalize This Spicy Grilled Chicken Salad

The Grilled Chicken Dinner Salad everyone needs

There are so many ways to customize and personalize this Spicy Grilled Chicken Salad based on what you have at home. Here are some options that should be at the top of the list.

Make a heartier salad by adding canned black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas to the salad.
Grab some grilled, canned, or frozen corn for some sweetness and crunch.
To cool off the heat of the chicken and dressing, add a chopped avocado to the salad.
Finish the salad with some fresh cilantro or parsley to add brightness.
Turn this into a pasta salad by using less spinach and swapping in some cooked pasta.
Use any veggies you like and swap in different types of lettuce to create slightly different flavor combinations.
Top the salad with crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese.
Switch up the dressing and use something lighter and less spicy like this Lemon Dijon dressing.
Since you are already making grilled chicken, make some grilled vegetables to serve on the side as well.

How To Make Grilled Chicken Salad:

Then in time to prepare the salads. Remove the corn kernels off of the cobs and slice the chicken.

Divide the lettuce. Place the chopped romaine lettuce in 4 individual serving bowls.

Add the chicken and toppings to the lettuce. Top each bowl with the chicken, tomatoes, corn, red onions and avocado. We use a large salad bowl.

Drizzle the salad dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Ingredients For Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Romaine hearts Youll want to use hearts because theyre sweeter and more compact. The tighter, smaller size make them easier to grill without falling apart.
Hard boiled eggs save time and buy the packaged hard boiled eggs at the grocery store. Theyre more expensive, but convenient if youre short on time.
Cherry tomatoes I like using cherry tomatoes because theyre generally sweeter, but go with whatever tomatoes you like best.
Blue cheese The type of cheese traditionally used in a Cobb salad. If you dont like blue cheese use feta or goat cheese instead.
Chicken breasts Chicken thighs can also be used.
Honey maple syrup can be used as a replacement.
Lemon Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Garlic powder If you want to use fresh garlic, use one clove or an equivalent to 1/2 teaspoon grated or minced.

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Tips For Grilling Chicken Breasts

Just like sauteing chicken in a skillet on the stovetop, be sure to pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling to ensure even cooking. I place chicken breasts on a cutting board then cover with saran wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. Takes like, 5 seconds.

Chicken has a tendency to stick to grill grates so spray both sides of the chicken breasts with nonstick spray before placing on the grill. Dont spray one side, place it on the grill, then spray the top, as the nonstick spray can cause flare ups. Keep your fingers, people!

I heat my grill to at least 400 degrees before adding the chicken. Flip when you can see the chicken turning opaque up the sides

Like any other meat, let the chicken breasts rest off the heat for at least 5 minutes before slicing to ensure all the juices dont run out.

PS: any interest in a How To Cook on a Charcoal Grill post??

How Do You Make Grilled Chicken Salad

Start by preparing the olive oil and herb mixture that will serve as both the chicken marinade and the salad dressing. Whisk together the oil with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallot, herbs and spices. Divide the mixture in half. Place the chicken in half the mixture, and save the other half as the dressing. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least one hour, then grill the chicken until its golden brown. Slice the chicken, then place it in a bowl with romaine lettuce, corn, red onion, tomatoes, bacon, avocado and blue cheese. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top, then serve and enjoy.

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More Chicken Salads To Try

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

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Chicken Salad Recipes Tips

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating to ensure even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should be cooked to 165°F to ensure doneness. Dont over-cook it!
Allow grilled chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Customize your salad by using your favorite salad veggies and salad greens. Add-ins like crumbled cheese, nuts, croutons, or seeds are great additions! I like sunflower seeds for salad.
Always use a meat thermometer and follow the perfect chicken temperature on my Chicken Temperature Chart!

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Why Make This Grilled Chicken Salad

If these photos dont immediately convince you that you need to make this grilled chicken salad recipe, here are a few more reasons why!

High protein: 42g protein per serving makes this salad a great healthy lunch or dinner!
Fresh: this salad packs in fresh fruits and veggies and there truly isnt anything better.
Healthy Fats: our homemade honey mustard dressing is made with full-fat Greek yogurt and the slivered almonds add a nice touch, too.
Balanced: youve got your protein, healthy fats, fruit, and veggies all in one meal! YES!

Storage And Make Ahead Tips

Sticky Grilled Chicken Salad – Marion’s Kitchen

Storage: This salad is best eaten the day its made. Unfortunately, grilled lettuce doesnt hold up very well and its best to eat it right after its been grilled. If you want the salad for leftovers the following day, I recommend skipping grilling the lettuce.

Make Ahead Tips: Assembling the salad is best done the day you plan to eat it, however you can prep most of the time consuming components a day or two ahead of time.

Make the marinade/dressing up to 2 days in advance.
Make hard boiled eggs 2-3 days in advance.

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The Best Grilled Chicken Salad

We all love this easy salad recipe. It is so delicious and simple to prepare.

The kitchen stays clean and cool since the chicken is cooked on the grill. The salad ingredients are simple as well. Just a little bit of prep work to chop and that is it.

If you meal prep, this is a great recipe for that. It is also healthy and an all around great meal.

Give it a try for an easy meal that everyone will enjoy. If you have hearty eaters that think salad isnt a meal, this recipe will change their mind. It is always a crowd pleaser even for the biggest eaters.

It is simply amazing and easy to adapt to everyones preference. You can even set out a topping bar and let everyone make their own salad. It is a winner every time!

Southern Livings Classic Chicken Salad

If you were ever looking for the ideal version of chicken salad always go with one made by Southerners. Southern Livings version hits all the right marks for the quintessential lunchtime option.

Their method of poaching the chicken in seasoned broth instead of water is a great way to add more flavor to the cooked chicken. Also, by simply boiling the meat for 15 minutes and letting the bird rest and cool in the warm broth, it ensures the meat will be incredibly tender.

This recipe is as simple as it gets, with a dressing of Dukes mayo and lemon juice, chopped celery, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Using this recipe as a base, its very easy to add other components like chopped bacon, dill, or other vegetables to make it your own.

Total: 1 hr 40 minsActive: 15 mins

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup high-quality mayonnaise, such as Dukes

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Best Grilled Chicken Salad

I love making dinner salad recipes over the summer! When its hot outside, theres nothing like a refreshing salad for dinner or lunch. This Grilled Chicken Salad with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is by far one of my familys favorites of all the summer salad recipes I make!

Complete with fresh veggies , this easy grilled chicken salad is truly so delicious. Give it a try this summer and I know youll be hooked!

I love adding Crispy Air Fryer Bacon to this salad for even more flavor!

Recipe Notes Tips And Substitutes

Chicken: we prefer using chicken breast since they are leaner. But you can use boneless chicken thighs. If you dont like chicken, use shrimp.
We used romaine lettuce to make this salad but any other lettuce will do.
Greek yogurt: this can be replaced with plain whole milk yogurt.
You can use Avocado oil in place of olive oil
Make sure the avocado you use is firm and not overripe.
Do allow the chicken to sit for 5 minutes before cutting them.
Do not overcook the chicken, it will come out dry and rubbery.

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How To Make It

Start by making the marinade/dressing. Combine the dijon, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a jar or bowl. I always opt for a jar so I can put a lid on it and really shake it well.

Place the chicken into a freezer bag and add in a 1/4 cup of the dressing. Seal the bag and massage it into the chicken. I like to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour and up to 4 hours.

Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill to about 425° F. Cut the romaine hearts in half lengthwise leaving the root intact. This will keep the lettuce from falling apart on the grill. Drizzle the romaine with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Halve the avocado and remove the pit. Brush the flesh with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the chicken, lettuce, and avocado on cleaned and oiled grill grates.

I like to keep the lettuce and avocado on the cooler parts of the grill. They wont need as much time cook as the chicken. The avocado will only need 2-3 minutes on the grill. You just want to get some nice grill marks and a little of that smoky flavor.

The romaine lettuce will need about 5 minutes on the grill. Grill it cut side down first for about 3 minutes and then use tongs to flip it over and grill the other side for another 2 minutes.

Once the chickens internal temperature reaches 165° F. remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing it.

How Many Calories In A Wendys Caesar Salad With Dressing

Made with chopped romaine lettuce, greenhouse-grown grape tomatoes and an all-white meat grilled chicken fillet, the salad is 410 calories even at its most indulgent, full size with all dry toppings included, and is still under 500 calories when paired with one packet of creamy Caesar Dressing by Marzetti® Simply

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How To Make An Easy Grilled Chicken Salad

The first thing you need to do is gather up all the ingredients.

Place the chicken in a large zipped lock bag or an airtight container with some extra-virgin olive oil and the seasonings .

Grill up the chicken on a grill pan or on your grill outside. You could even cook it up in a skillet, oven or your air fryer .

When the chicken is grilling up, you can slice the tomatoes, and cut up the peppers and onions. Slice the avocados last .

Place the lettuce around your serving plate or platter. Place the rest of the veggies on top.

When the chicken is grilled up, let it rest a few minutes and then slice it.

Chicken Ranch Salad Faqs

Easy Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe / Ray Mack’s Kitchen and Grill

Can I make the grilled chicken salad ahead of time?

Many of the steps to making this salad can be done ahead of time. The chicken can be marinated for up to 12 hours . Bring the chicken to room temperature before grilling. Grilled chicken has the best flavor straight off the grill, but you could even grill the chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to assemble the salad! You can also wash and chop all the veggies ahead of time and store covered in the fridge.However, dont slice the avocado ahead of time , and add the salad dressing when assembling the salad so your greens dont wilt.

What makes a good grilled chicken salad dressing?

My homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is a delicious dressing for grilled chicken salad. You could also try homemade blue cheese dressing or creamy balsamic dressing.

Can I use leftover chicken for the salad?

Yes! Freshly grilled chicken for salad works best, but you can use leftover sliced chicken if you prefer. It will be delicious with the flavors of this easy summer salad recipe.

Is this recipe keto?

Yes! My grilled chicken salad recipe is perfect for a keto meal plan with only 11 carbs for a full meal.

How To Make Spicy Buffalo Salad Dressing

This is one of my favorite quick and easy healthy dressings so I normally make a double or triple batch to have in the fridge for salads and as a dipping sauce with raw veggies and pretzels. Here’s how to make it.

1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
4 tbsp buffalo sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper
Directions: Mix everything together and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving for flavor to deepen and combine. If desired, you could swap in ranch seasoning for the spices to make a buffalo ranch salad dressing.

How To Make Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

In a shallow plate whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken breasts and toss them around making sure they are fully covered in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to up to 4 hours.

Prep the grill: Heat up your grill so that its around 400 F degrees.

Create the salad: In the mean time whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside. In a larger bowl toss the lettuce, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, and olives together.

Cook the chicken: Grill the chicken on both sides, about 5 minutes per side or until no longer pink and is cooked through. Discard remaining marinate. Let the chicken cool for about 5 minutes before slicing it into 1/2 inch slices.

Finish the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss well. Add the crumbled feta to the salad and mix. Serve with the sliced chicken breast over the salad and avocado slices. Other optional sides include hummus and pita chips.

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Secrets To Juicy Grilled Chicken

The problem with grilled chicken, especially when you are using chicken breasts, is that it can often get dry. No one wants a dry chicken breast!

Ive read a few things that can prevent this, and it totally works for me. To get juicy grilled chicken, Ive summed it up in 4 steps:

These 4 steps should get you closer to having juicier grilled chicken. For more detailed ideas and tips, check out A Sweet Pea Chef here.

Once your grilled chicken is prepped and ready for your green salads, the rest is quick and easy! Simply assemble the ingredients from the options below and you have a filling lunch or dinner in minutes.

How Long To Grill Chicken

Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe (Greek Style)

A typical 4 ounce boneless skinless chicken breast will need to grill for 4-5 minutes per side. If your chicken breasts are larger or smaller, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also make this recipe with boneless skinless chicken thighs, which will cook for 6-7 minutes per side.

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Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

This amazing Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe is going to become your go-to salad during grilling season! A light and flavorful salad loaded with lettuce, veggies, croutons, eggs, and slices of juicy and Grilled Chicken.

Check out the video for this delicious Grilled Chicken Salad.

If you love chicken in your salads, try our Classic Cobb Salad or the Southern Chicken Salad.

Easy Chicken Dinners Made In A Skillet

When it comes to whipping up a quick meal and one that wont break the bank, these 11 easy chicken dinners will do just that.

Delicious meals you can prepare ahead, then reheat just before serving.
Theyre quick and easy and great for busy weeknights.
Healthy for the whole family.
Ready to serve in 30 minutes or less.
Serve with a salad or some crusty bread. You can serve it with any of your favorite sides for a complete meal.

1. Skillet Chicken Mushroom Dinner~ juicy and tender chicken breasts are sautéed and smothered in an aromatic mushroom sauce, making this a delicious dinner easy enough for weeknights and elegant for guests.

2. Chicken with Dijon Wine Cream Sauce~ these are sautéed chicken breasts served with a flavorful Dijon cream sauce thats off the charts!

3. Chicken Tenders Skillet Dinner ~ features chicken tenderloins simmered and cooked in a deliciously rich tomato broth thats made with a few fresh ingredients. Loaded with flavor its incredible!

4. Tuscan Creamy Chicken Pasta ~ is made with a flavorful cream sauce simmered with strips of chicken, sundried tomatoes, and spinach, all tossed with farfalle pasta. Plus, its ready in 20 minutes!

5. Chicken Tenders Smothered in Lemon & Parsley~ succulent boneless chicken tenderloins smothered in a delightful lemon and parsley sauce YUM! This recipe is just divine!

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