When you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Easy Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad with Italian Dressing is your go-to. It’s a delightful mix of juicy grilled chicken, crisp greens, and vibrant veggies, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad is both satisfying and simple to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weekdays.
Steps
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients in a blender, adding salt and pepper to your taste. Blend until smooth and refrigerate until needed.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to 425°F (medium-high heat). Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Lightly oil the grill grates, then cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow it to rest under foil for 10 minutes before cutting into cubes.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients. Toss them together, pour the dressing over, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Optionally, add a pepper to each serving and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- Olive oil, as needed
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 8 cups chopped lettuce
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup croutons
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Italian dressing (ingredients not specified, adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Optional: Fresh basil, torn or shredded for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories 2064 | Calories from Fat 1152 | Fat 128g | Saturated Fat 20g | Cholesterol 400mg | Sodium 3188mg | Potassium 4000mg | Carbohydrates 80g | Fiber 16g | Sugar 32g | Protein 140g | Vitamin A 36360IU | Vitamin C 82mg | Calcium 588mg | Iron 10mg
FAQ
- Can I customize the Italian dressing in the Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad?
- Yes, you can easily adapt the dressing to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a tangier flavor, try adding more red wine vinegar or a small amount of Dijon mustard. The dressing is a creamy vinaigrette, which can be adjusted to your liking.
- What are some optional ingredients I can omit from the salad?
- You can simplify the ingredient list by leaving out olives, croutons, and red onions. The peppers are also optional. Despite omitting these, you will still enjoy a delicious and satisfying salad.
- How can I increase the flavor of the grilled chicken in the salad?
- To enhance the flavor of your grilled chicken, consider adding seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, salt, oregano, and pepper. For a bit of heat, you can include red pepper flakes.
- Is there a way to add more protein to this salad?
- Yes, you can increase the protein content by incorporating garbanzo beans or chickpeas. These additions will not only boost protein but also add a different texture to the salad.
- What makes this Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad suitable for different occasions?
- This salad is versatile, serving as a hearty main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a fresh and light side dish for large gatherings. Its mix of grilled chicken and fresh vegetables makes it a nutritious companion to any Italian meal.
Tips
- For a more flavorful grilled chicken, enhance it with seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, salt, oregano, and pepper. Add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- You can make the Italian dressing more to your taste by adjusting ingredients like red wine vinegar or adding Dijon mustard for extra tanginess.
- If you’re looking to simplify the ingredient list, consider skipping olives, croutons, and red onions without losing the salad’s deliciousness.
- Allow the grilled chicken to rest under foil for about 10 minutes after cooking before cutting it into cubes; this helps retain the juices and flavor.
Equipment
- Blender (for making the dressing)
- Grill (or a stovetop grill pan if a full grill is not available)
- Meat mallet (for pounding the chicken to an even thickness)
- Grill brush (for brushing grill grates with oil)
