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Ultimate Grilled Chicken Salad

A fresh, flavorful, and hearty grilled chicken salad with crisp greens and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Grilled Chicken
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 0.75 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1-3 tbsp water or milk to thin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup garlic croutons

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. In a bowl, whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients (mayonnaise, Parmesan, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, Dijon, 1-2 cloves garlic, Worcestershire). Whisk in water 1 tbsp at a time to reach a thick, pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through (165°F or 74°C).
  4. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  5. In a large serving bowl, combine chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and about two-thirds of the dressing. Toss to coat.
  6. Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken, shaved Parmesan, and croutons. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemon juice and grate your own Parmesan. Let the chicken rest for the full 10 minutes to ensure it's juicy. Store components separately for meal prep.