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Fresh Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Salad

fresh lemon herb grilled chicken salad - featured image
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A quick, easy, and healthy grilled chicken salad featuring a bright lemon herb marinade, crisp greens, and crunchy veggies for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (flat-leaf recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cucumber, sliced thin
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for dressing)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (for dressing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Place chicken breasts in the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. While chicken cooks, toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion in a large bowl.
  6. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
  7. Slice grilled chicken thinly against the grain and arrange over the salad base.
  8. Drizzle dressing over the salad, then sprinkle crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts on top.
  9. Gently toss the salad before serving to coat everything lightly with dressing. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

If chicken browns too quickly, lower heat and cover loosely with foil. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Mix dressing fresh before serving to keep lemon bright. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to avoid soggy greens.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken salad, lemon herb chicken, healthy salad, easy dinner, summer salad, quick meal, wholesome meal

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/fresh-lemon-herb-grilled-chicken-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-wholesome-meal-ideas/