Grilled Chicken Garden Salad
A light and refreshing salad made with juicy grilled chicken, crisp garden vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for lunch or a healthy dinner, this salad is full of protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings:2-3
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, sliced
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup feta cheese
¼ cup olives
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp honey
1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate Chicken:
Rub chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Let it rest for 10 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Grill Chicken:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Prepare Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion, and carrots.
Make Dressing:
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, honey, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble Salad:
Top salad with sliced grilled chicken.
Sprinkle with feta and olives if desired.
Drizzle with dressing before serving.
Notes & Tips
Swap chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon for variety.
Add avocado for creaminess or chickpeas for extra plant protein.
Use leftover grilled chicken to make a quick next-day wrap with pita bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes! Store veggies and dressing separately. Add chicken and dressing just before eating.
Q: What can I use instead of feta?
Goat cheese or shaved parmesan work well, or skip for dairy-free.
Q: Can I make it without a grill?
Yes—pan-sear the chicken or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 5g