Are you ready to elevate your salad game to a whole new level? Introducing Wendy's Fresh Mozzarella Chicken Salad—an irresistible blend of juicy grilled chicken, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant mixed greens that will tantalize your taste buds! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch, this salad is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up this delicious dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a salad that’s bursting with flavor and freshness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, 1 cup of fresh mozzarella (sliced), 4 cups of mixed greens, 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette, and 1/4 cup of chopped basil.
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. If you're using a stovetop pan, you may want to add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- While the grill is heating, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any additional spices or herbs you prefer for extra flavor.
- 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.
- After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 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 a few minutes.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the salad base. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips. Add the sliced chicken on top of the mixed greens and cherry tomatoes in the bowl.
- Next, add the sliced fresh mozzarella to the salad. Distribute it evenly over the chicken and greens.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring an even coating. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
- Finally, sprinkle the chopped basil over the top of the salad for a fresh flavor boost.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking the mozzarella slices.
- Serve the salad immediately on plates, enjoying the fresh flavors of the chicken, mozzarella, and greens.
Tips
- Grill Marks Matter: For the best presentation and flavor, let the chicken cook undisturbed for the first 6-7 minutes on each side to achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Besides salt and pepper, consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs to enhance the chicken's flavor.
- Rest Your Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain its juices, making every bite tender and succulent.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest mozzarella and greens you can find for the best taste. The creaminess of fresh mozzarella pairs perfectly with the crispness of the mixed greens.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match your greens! Spinach, arugula, or romaine can add different textures and flavors to your salad.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: If you want to make your own dressing, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey, and Dijon mustard for a delicious homemade vinaigrette.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after tossing to keep the greens crisp and the mozzarella creamy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
