Ingredients:
For the Grilled Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
2 tbsp olive oil 🧴
1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
1 tsp onion powder 🧅
1 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
1/2 tsp dried oregano 🌿
Salt & pepper, to taste 🧂
1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
For the Salad:
4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or romaine) 🥬
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
1/2 cucumber, sliced 🥒
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled 🧀
1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional for crunch) 🌰
1/2 avocado, sliced 🥑
1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional) 🫒
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil 🧴
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 🍇
1 tsp Dijon mustard 🍯
1/2 tsp honey 🍯
1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
Salt & pepper, to taste 🧂
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Rub this mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 20-30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have more time). This will infuse the chicken with tons of flavor!
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred on the outside.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad
While the chicken is grilling, prepare your salad base. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
Add the sliced avocado and black olives (if using), and toss everything together to combine.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like your dressing a little sweeter, you can add a bit more honey to taste.
Whisk until the dressing emulsifies and becomes smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Once the chicken has rested and been sliced, add the chicken strips on top of the salad.
Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
If desired, sprinkle some sliced almonds over the top for an added crunch.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately and enjoy your Grilled Chicken Salad! This recipe is perfect as a light dinner or a refreshing lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Salad:
Flavor-Packed: The combination of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing makes this salad burst with flavor in every bite! 🍗✨
Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with lean protein, healthy fats from avocado, and fiber from the veggies, this salad is both satisfying and nourishing. 🥑🥗
Versatile: You can add or remove ingredients based on your preferences. Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a plant-based version! 🌱
Quick & Easy: With just a little prep time for the chicken and a few fresh ingredients, this salad comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights! ⏱️
Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad is a great option for meal prep. Store the dressing separately, and you can enjoy fresh salads all week long! 🥡
Pro Tips for a Perfect Grilled Chicken Salad:
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Marinate for Extra Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Even 30 minutes can make a difference!
Customize Your Salad: Add extra toppings like cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or bacon bits to make it even heartier.
Grill Your Veggies: If you want to take it up a notch, throw some zucchini or bell peppers on the grill alongside the chicken for added smokiness.
Conclusion:
This Grilled Chicken Salad is a light, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of day. With tender grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, it’s a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family dinner, or prepping meals for the week, this salad is sure to become a favorite. 🥗🍗
🥗 Grilled Chicken Salad – WW Points Breakdown
(based on 1 serving)
🧾 Ingredients (per serving):
4 oz grilled chicken breast (skinless): 2 points
2 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, etc.): 0 points
½ cup cherry tomatoes: 0 points
¼ cucumber, sliced: 0 points
¼ avocado (optional): 3 points
2 tbsp light dressing (vinaigrette or creamy): 2–3 points (depends on brand/type)
1 tsp olive oil (optional if used separately): 1 point
🔢 Estimated Total:
Without avocado or oil: 4–5 WW Points
With avocado and/or oil: 7–8 WW Points
✅ Tip: Use fat-free Greek yogurt–based dressing or a splash of lemon juice and mustard to keep it at 2–3 points total.