A Grilled Chicken Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing is a delicious, healthy dish that combines the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy dressing. Here’s a simple recipe to make this vibrant and satisfying salad:
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds (optional)
For the Creamy Herb Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill), finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
2. Make the Creamy Herb Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with a little water if needed (for a thinner dressing).
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and any optional toppings (like nuts or seeds).
- Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.
4. Serve:
- Drizzle the creamy herb dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side.
- Toss everything together and enjoy your fresh, flavorful grilled chicken salad with creamy herb dressing!
Tips:
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
- You can also grill the chicken ahead of time to make this dish even quicker for a weeknight dinner.
This salad is a great balance of protein, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing, making it a perfect light meal!
