Grilled Chicken Salad (Insalata di Pollo alla Griglia) – A Delicious Italian Classic

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Insalata di Pollo alla Griglia

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Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Grill or grill pan, mixing bowls, tongs, cutting board, knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 4 cups mixed salad greens arugula, spinach, or lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cucumber sliced
• ½ red onion thinly sliced
• ¼ cup black olives pitted
• 2 tbsp olive oil for grilling
• 1 lemon for juice and zest
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese croutons, fresh basil

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicken:
• Marinate: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep the salad. You can skip marinating if you're short on time, but trust me, it makes a huge difference!
• Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips. This resting time keeps the juices in and makes the chicken extra tender.
• Prepare the Salad:
• In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and black olives.
• Set aside while you make the dressing.
• Make the Dressing:
• In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some honey for a touch of sweetness if you like.
• Drizzle this over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
• Assemble the Salad:
• Arrange the salad on a platter or individual plates.
• Top with the grilled chicken strips.
• If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and croutons.

If you’re looking for a light, healthy, and versatile meal, Insalata di Pollo alla Griglia (Grilled Chicken Salad) is a perfect choice. From my own personal experience, this dish is not only easy to make but also adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs. Let me show you how I make this classic Italian favorite, and you’ll see just how simple it is to whip up!

Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just need a quick, healthy lunch, this salad has got you covered. It’s packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and vibrant flavors making it both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, you can easily modify it to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Ready? Let me go in.

Notes on What to Expect:

This Grilled Chicken Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that balances protein from the chicken with the crispiness of fresh vegetables. The dressing adds a tangy brightness, while optional toppings like Parmesan and croutons bring depth and texture. It’s perfect for a light lunch or even a casual dinner. Based on my overall experience, this recipe is versatile, and you can easily tweak it to your preference whether you want to keep it light or make it more filling.

Quick Meal Facts:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Time to Stand: None
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~350
• Cost of Ingredients: Budget-friendly ($10-15 for 4 servings)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main or Appetizer
• Equipment Needed: Grill or grill pan, mixing bowls, tongs, cutting board, knife.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Grilled Chicken Salad  here

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup black olives, pitted
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
• 1 lemon (for juice and zest)
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, fresh basil
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Grilled Chicken Salad  here

Step-by-Step Method:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Marinate: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep the salad. You can skip marinating if you’re short on time, but trust me, it makes a huge difference!
• Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips. This resting time keeps the juices in and makes the chicken extra tender.

2. Prepare the Salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and black olives.
• Set aside while you make the dressing.

3. Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some honey for a touch of sweetness if you like.
• Drizzle this over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Salad:

• Arrange the salad on a platter or individual plates.
• Top with the grilled chicken strips.
• If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and croutons.

Variations and Substitutions:

Vegetarian Option:

• Tofu or Chickpeas: If you want to make this vegetarian, substitute grilled chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas. Marinate the tofu the same way as the chicken for extra flavor.

Vegan Version:

• Omit cheese and use a vegan-friendly dressing by skipping the mustard or choosing a vegan Dijon mustard. Instead of honey, add maple syrup for sweetness.

Low-Carb Option:

• Swap croutons with roasted nuts or seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a low-carb crunch.

Gluten-Free Version:

• The salad is naturally gluten-free, but make sure any croutons or toppings you add are also gluten-free.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Grilled Chicken Salad  here

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips and Troubleshooting:

• Overcooked Chicken: To avoid dry chicken, don’t overcook it. Check the internal temperature and remove the chicken from the grill as soon as it hits 165°F.
• Soggy Salad: Dress the salad just before serving to avoid wilting the greens.
• Too Tangy Dressing: If the dressing is too tangy for your taste, add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance the acidity.