Elevate your salad game with the Grilled Chicken Salad with Zesty Jalapeño Dressing! This dish combines juicy, grilled chicken breast with a crisp mix of greens and a bold, spicy dressing. It's a perfect meal for those seeking a balance of healthful ingredients without compromising on flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Serves: 4
- Serving Size: 1 salad portion
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless: 450g (1 lb / 16 oz)
- Mixed Salad Greens: 200g (7 oz / 0.44 lb)
- Cherry Tomatoes, halved: 100g (3.5 oz / 0.22 lb)
- Cucumber, sliced: 100g (3.5 oz / 0.22 lb)
- Red Onion, thinly sliced: 50g (1.8 oz / 0.11 lb)
- For the Jalapeño Dressing:
- Jalapeño Pepper, seeded and chopped: 1 medium
- Olive Oil: 60 ml (2 oz / 0.125 lb)
- Lime Juice: 30 ml (1 oz / 0.06 lb)
- Garlic, minced: 5g (0.18 oz / 0.01 lb)
- Honey: 15g (0.5 oz / 0.03 lb)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: For grilling
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Grill the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Grill over medium heat until cooked through. Let it rest, then slice.
- Prepare the dressing: Blend the jalapeño, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Serve: Divide the salad among plates, top with grilled chicken slices, and drizzle with jalapeño dressing.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling for juicier slices.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the dressing to suit your spice preference.
- Add avocado slices or nuts for extra richness and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, grilled shrimp or steak are great alternatives.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.