Description
A vibrant and wholesome grilled chicken salad, packed with fresh veggies and a zesty homemade dressing perfect for summer picnics.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 to 3 lbs chicken breast (or chicken thigh)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp dried onion powder
- 3 large whole corn cobs
- 1 tbsp butter (for corn)
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 bunch red radishes (remove leaves)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 10 to 12 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 medium red onion (sliced)
- 4 to 5 small cocktail cucumbers (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 large avocado (cubed)
- 2 small Serrano chili peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 6 oz queso fresco (crumbled) or grated parmesan cheese
- Zest from 2 large lemons
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 medium garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by combining olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried garlic, dried oregano, and dried onion powder in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth, then coat chicken thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the salad dressing by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, sea salt, and black pepper until creamy.
- Chop the vegetables, husking the corn cobs and grilling them until charred. Mix sliced bell pepper, radishes, red onion, and cocktail cucumbers with chopped romaine lettuce.
- Heat the grill and cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown. Grill corn and red bell pepper in the last few minutes until charred.
- Assemble the salad in a large bowl with lettuce, veggies, sliced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, Serrano chilies, and cilantro. Drizzle dressing on top and toss gently.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Notes
For make-ahead, prepare chicken marinade and slice veggies the night before. Customize with shrimp or add grains like quinoa.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg