Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

If you’re searching for something fresh, filling, and full of flavor, this Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad is it. It’s the kind of recipe that checks every box healthy, vibrant, simple to make, and endlessly versatile. With juicy grilled chicken, crisp greens, colorful veggies, and a zippy homemade dressing, this salad is anything but boring.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a next-day wrap, this grilled chicken salad is a go-to for meal prep or quick dinners. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to adjust for keto, paleo, or low-carb diets. Whether you’re grilling chicken just for this dish or using leftovers from last night’s BBQ, you’ll love how it all comes together.

Pair it with your favorite side like this sourdough French toast for a fun brunch combo or keep it simple for a clean, protein-packed meal that makes your tastebuds (and your body) happy.

Ingredient Notes for Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

Here’s everything that makes this Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad shine no fussy ingredients, just fresh staples that deliver bold flavor:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. Marinate for extra flavor or season simply with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Greens: Use your favorites romaine, spinach, arugula, or a mix. Pre-washed spring mix saves time and adds variety.
• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Halve them for easier bites.
• Cucumbers: Thinly sliced for cool crunch. English cucumbers are ideal.
• Red Onion: Adds sharpness. Soak slices in water to mellow the bite.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich texture that balances the crispness of other ingredients.
• Cheese: Feta or goat cheese adds tangy contrast (optional but highly recommended).
• Homemade Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a simple vinaigrette.

For inspiration on more salad bases, check out the creamy balance in this honey mustard avocado chicken salad.

How to Make Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

This Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad comes together in under 30 minutes:

1. Prep the Chicken
   Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let rest at room temperature while you prep the grill.
2. Grill the Chicken
   Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Mix the Dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, juice from half a lemon, a pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper.
4. Assemble the Salad
   In a large bowl, layer greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, avocado, and cheese. Add sliced grilled chicken on top.
5. Drizzle and Serve
   Pour over the dressing just before serving and gently toss or leave undressed for guests to drizzle their own.

This is similar in spirit to the fresh preparation seen in this easy tortilla wrap minimal effort, maximum flavor.

Expert Cooking Tips for Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

• Let Chicken Rest: Always allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid dry chicken, remove from heat at exactly 165°F internal temperature.
• Massage Your Greens: Gently rubbing kale or tougher greens with a little olive oil helps soften the texture.
• Add Herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, or dill can brighten up the salad even more.
• Use Leftovers Wisely: Turn leftover chicken into wraps with this cottage cheese wrap recipe for a creamy, protein-rich twist.

Storage Tips for Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

Want to prep this salad ahead of time? Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Store Components Separately: Keep the chicken, dressing, and chopped veggies in separate containers.
• Avoid Soggy Greens: Toss salad with dressing only before serving to prevent wilting.
• Fridge Life: Grilled chicken will last 3–4 days in the fridge. Greens stay fresh for 2–3 days when dry.

This is especially helpful if you’re prepping lunches for the week alongside a dish like easy chicken enchiladas.

Variations and Substitutions for Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

The best thing about a Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad is how easy it is to personalize. Here are some ideas:

• Change the Protein: Use grilled shrimp, steak, tofu, or even air-fried salmon.
• Go Global: Add taco seasoning and salsa for a Southwest twist or swap in tzatziki and olives for a Greek-style version.
• Add Grains: Toss in cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a heartier bowl.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and use an avocado-based dressing for creamy richness.

Looking for something cozy but still veggie-packed? Try this swamp soup alongside your salad for a warm companion.

What to Serve With Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

This Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad is a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• A slice of banana chocolate bar for dessert
• A hearty bowl of creamy mac and cheese
• A crispy garlic bread twist
• Refreshing lemonade or cucumber-infused water for a summer lunch vibe

It’s versatile enough for both everyday meals and entertaining guests.

FAQ – Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! It saves time and still tastes amazing. Just slice it thin and serve cold or at room temp.

What’s the best way to meal prep this salad?

Grill a few chicken breasts ahead of time and store them sliced. Keep the salad components dry until ready to serve.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just thaw completely before seasoning and grilling for best texture and flavor.

What dressing works best?

Homemade vinaigrette is great, but you can use honey mustard, ranch, or even a Greek yogurt-based dressing.

Is it good for weight loss?

It’s a high-protein, low-carb meal that’s great for clean eating and tracking macros.

Can I serve this warm?

Definitely! Warm grilled chicken served over fresh greens creates a beautiful contrast and elevates the dish.

Conclusion

This Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad isn’t just healthy and colorful it’s the kind of meal that actually makes you excited to eat salad. With smoky chicken, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty vinaigrette, it brings real joy to the plate.

It’s flexible, fast, and flavorful whether you’re serving it solo, pairing with soup, or prepping for a busy week. Add it to your recipe rotation, and you’ll always have a nourishing, tasty go-to ready to go.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and flavorful grilled chicken salad loaded with juicy chicken breast, avocado, crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy homemade dressing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or spinach)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and shredded carrots.
Add sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
Drizzle with the homemade dressing just before serving and gently toss if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken ahead of time with lemon juice and herbs.
You can swap feta with Parmesan or omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
Store the dressing and salad separately if preparing ahead to avoid sogginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilled
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 510mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: delicious grilled chicken salad, grilled chicken salad recipe, easy chicken salad, healthy grilled chicken