Unique and Healthy Chicken Salad
Enjoy a unique twist on the classic chicken salad with this nutrient-packed recipe. Featuring grilled chicken breast, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, citrus segments, avocado, and toasted almonds, all topped with a light lemon vinaigrette, this salad is as delicious as it is nutritious.
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Grill or grill pan
- Small bowl
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups mixed greens spinach, kale, arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 1 grapefruit segmented
- 1 orange segmented
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices.
- Gently toss in the grapefruit and orange segments, being careful not to break them apart.
- Add the avocado slices and toasted almonds to the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the grilled chicken slices to the salad.
- Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the top.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Salad
Greek yogurt swaps in one for one and adds protein while cutting most of the fat. A spoon of Dijon and a squeeze of lemon restore the tang that mayonnaise provides. This version is 336 calories a serving.
Poached or roasted breast, cooled completely before mixing. Rotisserie chicken works and saves time, but it carries more sodium. Warm chicken thins the dressing and makes the salad watery.
Three to four days in an airtight container. Yogurt-based versions keep about as well as mayonnaise-based ones. If it has been at room temperature for more than two hours, discard it.
