Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe: A Light and Protein-Packed Delight
Looking for a delicious, protein-packed dinner that’s light yet satisfying? This Grilled Chicken Salad is your perfect go-to recipe. Featuring perfectly marinated and grilled chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette, this salad brings together all the flavors you love in one healthy, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a refreshing weekend dinner, this salad will not disappoint.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Continental
- Course: Dinner
- Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
This Grilled Chicken Salad is not only full of fresh vegetables, but it also delivers a hefty dose of lean protein from the grilled chicken breast. The addition of roasted almonds adds a delightful crunch, while the Gouda cheese, optional yet highly recommended, provides a subtle creaminess that perfectly balances the tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to more formal gatherings!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this tasty grilled chicken salad to life:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 pieces | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 teaspoons | For marinating chicken & 2 teaspoons for grilling |
| Lettuce leaves | 10 leaves | Roughly chopped |
| Gouda cheese | 1 small piece | Optional but adds great flavor |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2 | Chopped |
| Cucumber | 1 | Chopped |
| Almonds (Badam) | 8 | Roasted & salted |
| Cherry tomatoes | 3 | Cut into halves |
| Salt | To taste | For seasoning |
| Black pepper powder | To taste | For seasoning |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon | Freshly squeezed |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Grated |
| Parsley leaves | 2 sprigs | Chopped for marinating the chicken |
| Vinegar | 1 teaspoon | For the vinaigrette |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon | For the vinaigrette |
| Parsley leaves | 2 sprigs | Freshly chopped for vinaigrette |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Grated for vinaigrette |
| Salt | To taste | For vinaigrette |
| Red chili flakes | As required | For a bit of heat in the vinaigrette |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful Grilled Chicken Salad that’s sure to impress.
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- To marinate the chicken, place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Add salt, black pepper, grated garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Mix everything well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Set the marinated chicken aside for at least 1 hour. If you have time, marinate it longer (up to 4 hours) for even more flavor.
2. Grill the Chicken:
- Heat a grilling pan or outdoor grill over medium heat.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. You can add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the grill pan while cooking to ensure the chicken stays juicy and doesn’t stick.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the vinaigrette by combining vinegar, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, freshly chopped parsley, grated garlic, salt, and red chili flakes in a small bowl. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
- Set the vinaigrette aside to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped lettuce leaves, cucumber, green bell pepper (capsicum), and cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together gently.
- If you’re using Gouda cheese, cut it into small cubes and add it to the bowl along with the roasted almonds.
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss everything together to coat evenly with the dressing.
5. Add the Grilled Chicken:
- Finally, add the grilled chicken pieces on top of the salad and give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Grilled Chicken Salad as a light and refreshing main dish. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with other dishes like spicy spaghetti bolognese for a complete weekend dinner.
Tips & Variations:
- Cheese Variations: While Gouda adds a mild, creamy flavor, you can easily substitute it with feta, parmesan, or mozzarella cheese, depending on your preference.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other veggies such as avocado, olives, or red onions to enhance the salad’s flavor.
- Grilled Chicken Substitution: If you prefer, you can substitute the grilled chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even a mix of both for a lighter version.
- Spice it Up: If you like your salad with a bit more heat, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vinaigrette.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 30-35g |
| Carbohydrates | 12-15g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 500-600mg |
This Grilled Chicken Salad is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it perfect for a high-protein, low-carb diet.
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken Salad recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for dinner. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit any dietary preferences, from low-carb to gluten-free. Enjoy this light and nutritious dish as part of a balanced meal, and feel free to pair it with a variety of other sides to complete your dinner experience.
Happy cooking!
