If you’re searching for a salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors, perfect textures, and a delightful tang, the Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken marinated in a luscious balsamic vinaigrette with crisp mixed greens, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and refreshing cucumber slices to create a satisfying meal that feels both light and indulgent. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this salad hits all the right notes with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this salad sing. Each element brings its own charm to the dish—whether it’s the brightness of the balsamic, the crispness of fresh vegetables, or the hearty, flavorful grilled chicken. Here’s everything you’ll want close at hand:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for soaking up that tangy balsamic marinade.
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a deep, sweet acidity that forms the base of the dressing and marinade.
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Smooths out the vinegar’s sharpness and keeps the chicken moist.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings a gentle sweetness that balances the tanginess beautifully.
- 6 cups fresh mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale): A mix of textures and flavors that brighten every bite.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juiciness and a pop of color on your plate.
- 1 cucumber, sliced: Adds a satisfying crunch and refreshing coolness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight all the other flavors perfectly.
How to Make Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl until everything is smooth and well combined. This simple yet rich vinaigrette is what gives the chicken and salad that wonderful tangy-sweet depth.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour over the balsamic vinaigrette and seal or cover. Let the chicken soak up all those flavorful juices in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—this step is what transforms the chicken from simple to sensational.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat up your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden crust and the juices run clear. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy and tender before slicing.
Step 4: Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the fresh mixed greens with the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumber. These fresh ingredients bring a wonderful crunch and a garden-fresh brightness that perfectly complement the rich chicken.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Dressing
Slice the rested chicken thinly and arrange it over the salad bed. Drizzle with the remaining balsamic vinaigrette marinade for an extra touch of flavor that ties everything together gorgeously.
Step 6: Serve Your Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken Salad Recipe
Plate this stunning salad generously. Feel free to jazz it up with nuts, cheeses, or herbs if you like. Each bite is a luscious balance of savory chicken, tangy dressing, and crisp veggies, making it a satisfying and delicious meal.
How to Serve Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a fragrant touch, while toasted walnuts or sliced almonds provide a delightful crunch that elevates this salad perfectly. Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan cheese also complements the balsamic vinaigrette’s depth beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a warm grain like quinoa or couscous to round out your meal. A light soup or a glass of chilled white wine also makes for a lovely accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad atop a bed of avocado slices or in a large hollowed-out tomato bowl. You can also skewer the sliced chicken and serve it alongside the greens, turning the salad into a fun, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep the salad from becoming soggy, it’s best to store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Freezing
While cooked chicken freezes well, the fresh salad components do not freeze nicely. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the cooked, marinated chicken breasts and keep the salad and dressing refrigerated—this way, you can assemble quickly when you’re ready.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until just warmed through to maintain juiciness. Avoid overheating to keep the tender texture before slicing and adding it to fresh greens.
FAQs
Can I use other types of vinegar in this Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken Salad Recipe?
While balsamic vinegar provides a unique sweetness and acidity, you could experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just note the flavor profiles will change, so consider adjusting the honey or olive oil accordingly to keep the balance.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is essential to let the chicken soak up the flavors, but if you have extra time, an hour or two will deepen the taste wonderfully without compromising texture.
Can this salad be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas tossed in the balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious vegetarian option that keeps the spirit of the recipe intact.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
The Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken Salad Recipe works great for meal prep as long as you keep the dressing separate until serving and store the salad ingredients properly. This helps the veggies stay fresh and crisp throughout the week.
What are some add-ins to make this salad more filling?
Adding cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or an avocado can make the salad even heartier and boost its nutritional value without overwhelming the light, fresh flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about the way the tangy balsamic vinaigrette elevates tender grilled chicken paired with fresh greens and vibrant veggies. This Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken Salad Recipe is a go-to for anyone craving a meal that balances healthiness with incredible flavor. I encourage you to try it out soon and enjoy the delightful freshness and ease it brings to your table.
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Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken Salad featuring tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic dressing, served over a vibrant mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad
- 6 cups fresh mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the internal juices run clear. Remove the chicken and let it rest to retain its juices before slicing.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumber, tossing gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Add Chicken and Dressing: Slice the rested chicken thinly and arrange it on top of the salad. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the salad as a dressing for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve: Serve the salad generously, optionally adding toppings like nuts or cheese to enhance texture and taste.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional toppings such as toasted almonds, feta cheese, or Parmesan add extra flavor and texture.
- For a lower calorie option, reduce the amount of olive oil and honey in the marinade.
