Discover the vibrant flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen with our tantalizing Grilled Chicken Tuscan Salad! This delightful dish combines succulent grilled chicken with a medley of fresh greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty olives, all drizzled with a rich balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this salad is not just a meal—it's an experience that will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also marinate them in your favorite herbs and spices for about 10 minutes if desired.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips.
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad ingredients. Rinse and dry the mixed greens thoroughly, then place them in a large salad bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the mixed greens.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad mixture.
- Add the sliced olives to the bowl, combining all the ingredients together.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated.
- Once the chicken has rested and been sliced, arrange the chicken strips on top of the salad.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional balsamic vinaigrette if desired, and enjoy your Grilled Chicken Tuscan Salad!
Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite herbs, garlic, or citrus juice for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse the meat with deliciousness.
- Perfect Grilling Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and ensures even cooking.
- Resting is Key: Don’t skip the resting step after grilling the chicken! Allowing it to rest for 5 minutes helps keep the meat juicy and tender by redistributing the juices.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match your greens! Spinach, arugula, or even kale can add unique flavors and textures to your salad.
- Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds, like pine nuts or sunflower seeds, to elevate the salad’s texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the salad with a slice of crusty bread or a side of garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal that your guests will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
