Looking for a refreshing and nutritious meal that bursts with flavor? Dive into the delightful world of Grilled Chicken Salad with Orange Vinaigrette! This vibrant dish combines tender, juicy grilled chicken with crisp mixed greens and juicy orange segments, all drizzled with a zesty orange vinaigrette that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a feast for the eyes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this colorful, healthy dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Mixed greens
- Orange segments
- Red onion
- Olive oil
- Orange juice
- Honey
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: boneless chicken breasts, mixed greens, orange segments, red onion, olive oil, orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- While the grill is heating, prepare the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of honey to create the marinade. This will add flavor and moisture to the chicken.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes while the grill heats up.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the salad components. Rinse and dry the mixed greens, and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Peel and segment the oranges, removing any seeds. Add the orange segments to the bowl with the mixed greens.
- Slice the red onion thinly and add it to the salad bowl. Adjust the quantity of onion based on your taste preference.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the orange vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Whisk together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- After the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the sliced chicken to the salad bowl with the mixed greens, orange segments, and red onion.
- Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve the grilled chicken salad immediately, garnished with additional orange segments or a sprinkle of nuts if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful meal!
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to an hour will enhance the flavor even more.
- Grill Marks Matter: For those perfect grill marks, make sure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. Avoid moving the chicken around too much while grilling.
- Resting is Key: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix in your favorite salad greens or add extra veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition.
- Make it Ahead: If you're prepping for a busy week, grill the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the salad fresh when you're ready to eat.
- Add Some Crunch: For added texture, consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds, before serving.
- Zest it Up: For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the vinaigrette for a citrusy kick that complements the salad beautifully.Enjoy crafting this delicious salad that’s not only a treat for your palate but also a healthy choice for any meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
