A fresh and satisfying salad featuring grilled chicken breast is perfect for a wholesome meal any day of the week. Packed with vibrant vegetables and tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this recipe is both delicious and nutritious. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
Mixed salad greens (such as lettuce, spinach, arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup sliced almonds or pine nuts (optional, for crunch)
Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), chopped (for garnish)
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Marinate and Grill the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with this marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator.
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and grill marks appear. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, avocado slices, and sliced almonds or pine nuts if using.
Slice and Serve:
Slice the grilled chicken breasts into thin strips. Arrange them on top of the salad.
Dress and Garnish:
Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a burst of flavor and color.
Enjoy this grilled chicken breast salad with balsamic vinaigrette as a wholesome and flavorful meal. It's perfect for lunch or dinner, providing a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to customize with your favorite toppings and herbs. Bon appétit!
Tips:
For added sweetness, try adding fresh berries or dried cranberries to the salad.
To make it a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or whole grain crackers on the side.
Double the batch of balsamic vinaigrette and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week to use on other salads or as a marinade for other meats.