🥗 Grilled Chicken Garden Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing

A fresh, protein-packed salad loaded with crisp vegetables, juicy grilled chicken, and creamy homemade ranch dressing—perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Garden Salad:

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 carrot, shredded

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• ¼ cup croutons (optional)

For the Homemade Ranch Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

• 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin as needed)

• 1 tsp dried dill

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar

• Salt and black pepper to taste

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings.

2. Rub mixture evenly over chicken breasts.

3. Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.

4. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

2️⃣ Make the Ranch Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream.

2. Add herbs, spices, and lemon juice.

3. Stir in milk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

4. Chill for at least 20 minutes for best flavor.

3️⃣ Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and carrot.

2. Top with sliced grilled chicken.

3. Sprinkle cheese and croutons if using.

4. Drizzle with homemade ranch dressing and toss gently.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

❓  (Q&A)

Q1: Can I cook the chicken without a grill?

Yes! You can pan-sear it in a skillet over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Q2: How long does homemade ranch last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts 4–5 days.

Q3: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but store components separately. Add dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Q4: How can I make it healthier?

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

• Skip cheese and croutons.

• Use light mayonnaise.

Q5: What other toppings can I add?

Avocado slices, boiled eggs, bacon bits, sunflower seeds, or bell peppers are great additions.

Q6: Can I use store-bought ranch instead?

Absolutely. While homemade tastes fresher, bottled ranch works for convenience.