Garlic Chicken Skewer Salad
Description
This Garlic Chicken Skewer Salad is a perfect combination of juicy, garlicky grilled chicken skewers paired with a fresh, crunchy, and colorful salad. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky and slightly charred flavor that complements the crisp vegetables and creamy dressing.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
4 wooden or metal skewers
For the Salad:
4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ cucumber (sliced)
¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
¼ cup black olives (sliced)
¼ cup roasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds)
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
½ tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
In a bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, salt, oregano, and cumin.
Add the cubed chicken and coat evenly with the marinade.
Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/75°C).
Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, black olives, and roasted nuts.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Assemble & Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
Serve with grilled garlic chicken skewers on top or on the side.
Enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~350-400 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Fiber: ~4g
Fat: ~20g
Saturated Fat: ~5g
Sodium: ~600mg
Total Time Required
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marination Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake the skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
2. What other proteins can I use?
You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a different twist.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the salad and dressing separately and store them in the fridge. Grill the chicken fresh for the best taste.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with garlic bread, quinoa, or roasted potatoes for a more filling meal.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store the salad and chicken separately in a
irtight containers. The chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 day