Imagine a dish that's not just a meal, but a nutrition-packed powerhouse that screams summer freshness and health! Our Summer Grilled Chicken Power Salad is the ultimate culinary solution for those seeking a delicious, quick, and nutritionally balanced meal that will tantalize your taste buds and fuel your body. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone who simply loves vibrant, flavorful food, this recipe is about to become your new go-to summer favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning adhere better.
- In a small bowl, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken breasts. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring an even coating.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using an outdoor grill, make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them to achieve nice grill marks.
- Flip the chicken breasts and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the salad base. In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups of fresh spinach. This will be the foundation of your power salad.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumber to the bowl with the spinach. Toss gently to combine the vegetables evenly.
- Next, crumble 1/4 cup of feta cheese over the salad mixture. This will add a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the fresh ingredients.
- Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
- Drizzle 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and chicken. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve the Summer Grilled Chicken Power Salad immediately, garnished with additional feta if desired. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Tips
- Always pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption and perfect grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to retain its juiciness and prevent drying out.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Choose fresh, crisp spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste and nutritional value.
- If you don't have a grill, a grill pan or even a skillet works perfectly for cooking the chicken.
- Feel free to customize the salad with additional proteins or swap feta for another cheese to suit your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
