Experience the vibrant flavors of spring with our Grilled Chicken Salad featuring a delightful blend of fresh ingredients. This family-style dish is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike, offering simplicity and flavor in every bite. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, you’ll feel confident creating this colorful salad masterpiece. Serve it at your next gathering or enjoy it as a refreshing meal any day of the week.
Today, we are excited to share a delightful recipe that’s perfect for spring – a mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Salad Platter. We are passionate about making cooking simple and flavorful, We believe that everyone should have access to delicious and accessible recipes. This Grilled Chicken Salad Platter is a perfect example of that mission in action. It’s easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and served family-style for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Why We Love It:
The Grilled Chicken Salad Platter is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or even a backyard barbecue.
By serving it family-style on a large platter, you create a communal dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation. It’s a great way to bring people together over good food and good company.
Grilled Chicken Salad Platter
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups spring mix greens
- 1 cup campari tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, quartered or chunked
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil and red wine vinegar for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an indoor grill, we recommend the Ninja IG651 Foodi Smart XL Pro.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have grill marks.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients by arranging the spring mix greens, tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, and red onion on a large platter.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad ingredients.
- Spread fresh basil leaves over the salad.
- Drizzle the salad with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the Grilled Chicken Salad Platter immediately.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- If you don’t have spring mix greens, you can use any leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce.
- Substitute the campari tomatoes with cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.
- If avocados are not available, you can use bell peppers for added crunch.
- Feel free to swap red onions with thinly sliced shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.
- Instead of grilling chicken breasts, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Customize the dressing by substituting olive oil with avocado oil or lemon juice with balsamic vinegar for different flavor profiles.
Additional Tips for Building Confidence in the Kitchen:
- Experiment with different flavor combinations by adding nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or cheese to your salad for extra texture and taste.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or even bake it in the oven. Just make sure it’s cooked through before slicing and serving.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning to suit your personal preferences. Taste as you go and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Make use of kitchen tools like a mandoline slicer or julienne peeler to easily slice vegetables into uniform shapes for a professional-looking salad presentation.
- Get creative with plating and presentation to make your salad visually appealing. Arrange ingredients in a colorful and artistic manner to make your dish stand out.
- Don’t stress about making everything from scratch. Utilize store-bought dressings, marinades, or pre-cut vegetables to save time without compromising on flavor.
- Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite and paying attention to the flavors and textures of your salad. Eating slowly and enjoying your meal can enhance your overall dining experience.
- Remember to prioritize food safety and hygiene throughout your cooking process:
- When tasting your dish as you go, particularly when working with meats or other sensitive ingredients, ensure that proper precautions are taken to prevent cross-contamination and ensure that all ingredients are cooked to the appropriate temperature.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw ingredients, use separate cutting boards for meats and vegetables, and follow recommended cooking times and temperatures.
Meal Prep Tips:
- To save time during the week, you can grill the chicken breasts in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply slice the chicken and assemble the salad.
- Wash and prep the salad greens, tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, and red onion ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to quickly assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat.
What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Salad:
- This Grilled Chicken Salad Platter is delicious on its own but can also be paired with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for added texture and flavor.
- For a heartier meal, consider serving the salad alongside a side dish such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or couscous.
When to Serve:
- This Grilled Chicken Salad Platter is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight meal with family or friends, or as a light and refreshing lunch on a warm spring day.
- You can also serve it at backyard barbecues, picnics, or potluck gatherings. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors are sure to impress any crowd.
So there you have it – a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
Other Salads To Try:
- Crispy Chicken Tender Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing
- Flavorful Chicken Cobb Salad
- Tuna with White Bean Salad
- Spring Mix Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Vegetables
Grilled Chicken Salad Platter
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups spring mix greens
- 1 cup campari tomatoes halved
- 1 avocado cubed
- 1 English cucumber sliced
- 1/2 red onion sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil and red wine vinegar for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your indoor grill to medium-high heat. (See Manufacture’s Instructions)
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have grill marks.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients by arranging the spring mix greens, campari tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, and red onion on a large platter.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Arrange the sliced chicken on the platter by the other salad ingredients.
- Spread fresh basil leaves over the salad.
- Drizzle the salad with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the Grilled Chicken Salad Platter immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Additional Tips:
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite dressing or marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- To save time, prep the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Customize your salad by adding your favorite toppings such as crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or toasted nuts.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or in a skillet.
- Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to ensure juicy and tender meat.
- Drizzle extra dressing over the salad just before serving for an added burst of flavor.