Description
A vibrant and healthy grilled chicken salad featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned and cooked to perfection on the grill, served over a bed of fresh mixed greens and colorful vegetables. This salad is complemented by a creamy, tangy honey mustard dressing made with Greek yogurt, honey, and Dijon mustard, creating a perfect balance of flavors ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and develop a nice char.
- Prepare Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts on all sides with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, coating them evenly.
- Grill Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid moving the chicken too much to get nice grill marks.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender. Then, slice the chicken thinly against the grain.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Greek yogurt, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, shredded carrots, crumbled feta cheese, and roasted sunflower seeds. Toss gently to mix.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken slices on top of the salad, then drizzle with the honey mustard dressing. Toss lightly before serving to coat the salad evenly with the dressing.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate chicken in the honey mustard dressing for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or omitted altogether for a dairy-free option.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is properly cooked to avoid undercooking.