Grilled Chicken Spinach Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This grilled chicken spinach salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Featuring tender grilled chicken, fresh spinach, and a zesty honey mustard dressing, it combines healthy ingredients with delightful flavors.

The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings like nuts, cheese, or other vegetables.

Ingredients for a Fresh and Flavorful Salad

Creating a vibrant grilled chicken spinach salad begins with selecting the right ingredients. Freshness is key, so opt for high-quality produce. The star of this dish is the grilled chicken breast, which should be tender and juicy. Pair it with a generous amount of fresh spinach, which serves as the salad’s base.

Colorful cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp contrast. Crisp cucumber slices contribute a refreshing crunch. For those looking to enhance the salad further, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or a handful of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Preparing the Grilled Chicken

The chicken preparation is straightforward but essential for achieving the best flavor. Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This simple seasoning allows the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through.

Grilling the chicken over medium-high heat ensures a nice char while keeping the meat juicy. Aim for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This resting period helps retain the juices, making each bite succulent.

Crafting the Honey Mustard Dressing

A standout feature of this salad is the honey mustard dressing, which ties all the flavors together. To create this dressing, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil in a small bowl. The combination of sweet and tangy elements creates a delightful contrast that complements the salad ingredients beautifully.

Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the dressing is well-balanced. This dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Assembling the Salad

Once the chicken is grilled and the dressing is ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. Start by placing the fresh spinach in a large bowl, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and cucumber. If you’re adding optional toppings like feta cheese or nuts, sprinkle them over the salad at this stage.

Next, layer the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad. This not only adds protein but also makes the dish visually appealing. Finally, drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the entire salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients without bruising the spinach.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste. A rustic bowl enhances the presentation, allowing the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it can easily be customized based on personal preferences.

For a heartier meal, consider adding quinoa or farro to the mix. You can also switch up the protein by using grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. The versatility of this salad makes it suitable for various dietary needs while still being delicious and satisfying.

Nutritional Benefits

This grilled chicken spinach salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Each serving contains a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded meal option. The fresh vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals, while the grilled chicken provides a lean source of protein.

With approximately 350 calories per serving, this salad is a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor. Enjoying this dish regularly can support overall health and well-being, making it a fantastic addition to any meal rotation.

Healthy Grilled Chicken Spinach Salad Recipe

This salad features juicy grilled chicken served over a bed of fresh spinach, complemented by a homemade honey mustard dressing. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for grilling
• For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and any optional toppings like feta cheese or nuts.
4. Add Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the salad.
5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Serve: Divide the salad among plates and enjoy immediately.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g