Grilled Chicken Salad 

Grilled Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

For the salad:

- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 6 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 cucumber, sliced

- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts (optional)

For the lemon vinaigrette:

- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- 1/2 teaspoon honey (adjust to taste)

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add some herbs or spices like paprika, garlic powder, or thyme to enhance the flavor. Let the chicken marinate for about 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the salad ingredients. Wash and dry the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes. Crumble the feta cheese and set aside.

4. For the lemon vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your taste preferences.

5. Grill the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

6. In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.

7. Divide the dressed salad onto individual serving plates. Top each salad with grilled chicken strips, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced almonds or walnuts if desired.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing and healthy grilled chicken salad with lemon vinaigrette!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, fruits, or nuts according to your preference. It's a versatile salad that you can adapt to your taste!

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Grilled Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, a refreshing and healthy dish that tantalizes the taste buds. Tender, marinated chicken breasts take center stage, infused with the perfect blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional aromatic herbs. Grilled to perfection, they're sliced into succulent strips that rest upon a bed of vibrant mixed salad greens, crisp cucumber slices, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all adorned with slivers of piquant red onion. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element to the ensemble, while toasted almonds or walnuts bring a delightful crunch. Completing the symphony of flavors is the zesty and invigorating lemon vinaigrette—a harmonious fusion of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a hint of honey for balance. This grilled chicken salad is a culinary masterpiece that leaves you feeling nourished and content, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner on warm, sunlit days.