Grilled Chicken and Summer Berry Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
Juicy grilled chicken & salad recipes? This summer berry salad with honey-lime dressing is a winner! Easy, flavorful, and perfect for BBQs. Get the recipe now!
Alright, let's dive into this! Ever crave something light but still satisfying? I do! This chicken & salad recipes will become your go-to. Seriously.
Quick Hook
Are you tired of boring salads? This salad isn't boring! It's packed with flavor. It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. The honey-lime dressing makes it extra special.
Berry Delicious
This delicious chicken salad is inspired by sunny california. it's fresh and simple. the grilling part might seem intimidating. don't worry! it’s super easy.
This recipe serves four people. it only takes about 35 minutes.
Why You'll Love It
This cold salad is a winner. the best chicken salad ever ? maybe. it's packed with protein. plus, all those berries have antioxidants.
Serve it for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. honestly, any occasion works. what makes it special? the combination of grilled chicken and sweet berries.
Yum!
Time to gather the ingredients. remember to buy fresh berries. they make all the difference. you can even make a chicken salad sandwich with pickles if you like.
Let's get this cooking thing done. we are doing the best chicken salad recipe .
Okay, let's dive into this chicken & salad recipes masterpiece! I'm picturing sunshine, fresh air, and a plate piled high with deliciousness. Ready? Let's do it!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Listen up, friends! before we get our hands dirty making this amazing chicken & salad recipes , we gotta gather our troops.
No stress, though. most of this stuff is probably already chilling in your fridge.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show
This ain’t rocket science. Just good food!
- Chicken Breasts: 4 (6-8 oz / 170-225g each). Quality is key here. Look for plump, pink chicken breasts. Avoid anything slimy or smelly, ya know?
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Extra virgin is always a win.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works in a pinch. Honestly.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml).
- Mixed Greens: 6 oz (170g). Go wild! Spinach, romaine, spring mix... whatever floats your boat.
- Strawberries: 1 cup , sliced (approx. 150g).
- Blueberries: 1 cup (approx. 140g).
- Raspberries: 1/2 cup (approx. 60g). Berry season? This delicious chicken salad will be the perfect thing to do!
- Toasted Pecans: 1/2 cup , chopped (approx. 50g). Toast 'em yourself for extra flavor. Trust me.
- Feta Cheese: 1/4 cup , crumbled (optional, approx. 30g). Adds a salty tang. Yum!
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (45 ml). More of that good stuff for the dressing.
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Fresh lime is where it's at.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters
Okay, let's talk about the magic dust!
This combo of garlic powder, salt, and pepper on the chicken is a classic for a reason. It's simple, but it works!
For the dressing, the honey-lime combo is like a party in your mouth. Sweet, tangy, and totally addictive. I also love making homemade chicken salads .
If you're out of Dijon, a little yellow mustard will do. Just a pinch! It's the best chicken salad recipe , guaranteed!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
No fancy gadgets required, folks. I hate complicated stuff, honestly.
- Grill or Grill Pan: For that beautiful char on the chicken.
- Mixing Bowls: Gotta have a place to toss that cold salad .
- Whisk: For whipping up that dressing.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Obvi.
That's it! See? No need to empty your wallet on fancy tools.
Don't have a grill? no problem! a skillet works just fine. or, you know, bake the chicken. the best chicken salad ever is about flexibility, right? now, go on and make the best chicken salad .
I love this diy chicken salad recipe because it's so easy. serve it as a chicken salad sandwich or with some chicken salad and crackers .
How about cold chicken salad sandwich this weekend? we chicken salad so much in the family.
Let's make some chicken salads ! I learned the Derby chicken salad recipe from my grandma. Let's get cooking!
Alright, let's talk cooking method . specifically, grilling chicken for a bomb summer salad. honestly, nothing beats a perfectly grilled chicken breast on a bed of fresh greens.
It's summer on a plate! we're gonna make some amazing chicken & salad recipes .
Grilled Chicken and Summer Berry Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Baby!
First things first, let's get our act together. mise en place , fancy french for "everything in its place." we need our boneless, skinless chicken breasts (four of them!), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
For the salad, grab some mixed greens, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pecans. honey, lime juice, dijon mustard? yep, gotta have those too.
The essential mise en place will save you so much stress later. trust me.
Time-saving tip? marinate the chicken while you prep the salad ingredients. it's like a culinary two-for-one! just whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil , 1 tablespoon lemon juice , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper .
Toss the chicken in, and let it chill for at least 15 minutes. safety? obvious: wash your hands! and don’t cross-contaminate raw chicken with your veggies.
Nobody wants salmonella surprise.
Step-by-Step: Grill Master Time!
- Get your grill hot. We're talking medium-high heat. Should take like 5- 8 minutes per side .
- Throw on the marinated chicken. Listen for that sizzle!
- Grill for 6- 8 minutes per side .
- Use a meat thermometer! 165° F ( 74° C) is the magic number.
- Let that chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Super important!
Visual cues? The chicken should be opaque with nice grill marks. The internal temp has to be 165° F .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Here's where the magic happens. first, don't overcook the chicken! dry chicken is a sad chicken. next, toast those pecans! spread them on a pan and bake them at 350° f ( 175° c) for 5- 7 minutes.
makes a huge difference.
Mistakes to avoid? not letting the chicken rest! it's gotta chill out before you slice it. make-ahead? you can totally grill the chicken earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge.
Just slice it right before serving. you can also prep the dressing ahead of time.
This recipe is a breeze, you guys. and with some juicy chicken. speaking of chicken, you know i once tried to make a chicken salad sandwich with pickles using leftover grilled chicken? let's just say it wasn't my finest moment.
But this recipe? this is a winner. you can whip up this chicken salad recipe costco and it will be better than the best chicken salad .
It's a total game-changer for cold chicken salad sandwich . And you can enjoy this delicious chicken salad with chicken salad and crackers . So get grilling and get your salad on.
Alright, let's dive into some extra nuggets of wisdom about this Grilled Chicken and Summer Berry Salad! Think of these as my little secrets for taking it from good to OMG good.
Recipe Notes: My Two Cents
Honestly, this isn't just another one of those boring chicken & salad recipes. This salad screams summer! It's bursting with flavor. It's all about fresh ingredients, you know?
Serving Suggestions: Dress it Up!
Okay, presentation matters. plate your salad artfully. arrange the delicious chicken salad slices nicely on top. a few extra berries scattered around? yes, please! this isn't just food.
It's an experience. thinking about a side? some crusty bread is perfect. it soaks up all that yummy dressing. for drinks, i love a chilled sauvignon blanc.
Or even just some good old iced tea. this kind of cold salad makes you feel amazing.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Got leftovers? store the salad and dressing separately. that way, nothing gets soggy. the chicken salads will stay fresher longer.
Keep the chicken salad sandwich with pickles (if you made one!) in the fridge for up to 2 days. freezing isn't really recommended.
It changes the texture of the berries and greens. nobody wants that.
Variations: Make it Yours!
Want to switch things up? go for it! instead of honey-lime dressing, try balsamic vinaigrette. grilled peaches are amazing in this salad.
Trust me. got dietary restrictions? no problem. skip the feta for a dairy-free version. use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
You can even make a chicken salad for one by halving the recipe! a great diy chicken salad recipe !
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body
Okay, let's talk numbers. this salad is around 350 calories per serving. (without the feta, of course). you get a whopping 30 grams of protein.
Thanks, chicken! there's also 20 grams of fat, and 20 grams of carbs. this best chicken salad is super balanced.
It’s the best chicken salad ever ! and the the best chicken salad that keeps you full and happy. it’s a super homemade chicken salads .
Alright, that’s all folks. i encourage you to trying this recipe! don’t be afraid to play around with ingredients. this chicken salad recipe costco is the starting point, add you flavor.
Have fun and enjoy! this is a great base for cold chicken salad sandwich too! it's time to eat the best chicken salad recipe ! or maybe some chicken salad and crackers ! don't think to much just enjoy the we chicken salad .
There is also a nice recipe the derby chicken salad recipe i would advise you to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of berry in this chicken & salad recipes? I'm not a big fan of raspberries!
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to swap out the raspberries for blackberries, more strawberries, or even some thinly sliced grapes. Think of it like choosing your favourite sweets from a Quality Street tin – it's all about what you enjoy!
I don't have a grill. Can I still make this grilled chicken and salad?
Definitely! No grill, no problem. You can pan-fry the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Alternatively, you could bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just think of it as a bit of a "Bake Off" challenge, adapting to what you've got!
How long will leftovers of this chicken and salad last, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover chicken and salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. Store the salad and the sliced chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps prevent the salad from getting soggy. Also, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving; otherwise, it will turn into a soggy bottom scenario.
Is this chicken & salad recipes suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! All of the ingredients listed are gluten-free. However, if you're particularly sensitive, always double-check the labels of your ingredients, especially the Dijon mustard, to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing additives. You wouldn't want a sneaky bit of gluten ruining the party!
Can I make the honey-lime dressing in advance?
You absolutely can! In fact, making the dressing ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even more beautifully. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as it may separate slightly. It's like letting a fine wine breathe, only for salad dressing!
I'm watching my sugar intake. Can I reduce the amount of honey in the dressing for this chicken & salad recipes?
Certainly! Feel free to reduce the honey in the dressing to suit your taste. You can even substitute it with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol, using a much smaller amount as they are typically more potent than honey. Taste as you go, adding a little at a time until you reach your desired level of sweetness. It’s all about finding the balance that works for you – a bit like Goldilocks and her porridge!