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Grilled Chicken Salad with Lemon Dressing – A Beginner‑Friendly Home Cook’s Guide in the USA

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Learn how to make a fresh and healthy Grilled Chicken Salad with Lemon Dressing! Juicy grilled chicken, crisp greens, and a tangy homemade lemon vinaigrette make this recipe perfect for beginners and home cooks in the USA.

  • Author: Nia Yarden
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad / Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Optional: ½ cup corn kernels, ¼ cup almonds or feta cheese

Lemon Dressing:

  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, drizzle olive oil. Grill 5–7 min per side until 165°F. Let rest 5 min, then slice.
  2. Make the dressing: In a bowl or jar, whisk lemon juice, zest, garlic, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly add olive oil until emulsified.
  3. Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and optional add-ins.
  4. Assemble: Toss salad with half of the dressing, top with sliced chicken, drizzle remaining dressing, and serve immediately.

Notes

Grill chicken evenly and let rest for juicy results. Use fresh, dry greens so dressing clings properly. Store leftover components separately for meal prep. Dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for 2–3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.nytrecipe.com/grilled-chicken-salad-with-lemon-dressing/