chicken spinach salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken spinach salad recipe

I’m so excited to share this chicken spinach salad recipe with you all today! As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for healthy and delicious meal ideas that my family will love. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become one of your favorites too.

The combination of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and crunchy veggies is just perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. I first discovered this recipe while browsing through a food blog (yes, I’m guilty of getting inspiration from fellow foodies too!)

and have since tweaked it to suit my family’s tastes. The key technique behind this dish is grilling the chicken to perfection, which adds a smoky flavor that complements the fresh spinach beautifully. My kids absolutely adore helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites – they love watching the chicken sizzle on the grill and mixing everything together at the end.

It’s a great way to get them involved in meal prep while teaching them about cooking techniques and flavors. This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a healthy snack option. And the best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for later use.

Chicken Spinach Salad

4.9 from 734 votes

A healthy and delicious salad featuring grilled chicken, fresh spinach, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

500g boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Salad

10 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
2Brush chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with salt, black pepper and paprika.
3Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
4Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5While chicken is cooking, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
6Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7In a large salad bowl, combine fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
8Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
9Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.
10Add the chicken to the salad and toss gently to combine.
11Serve immediately and enjoy your chicken spinach salad.

🔧Equipment

Grill pan
Bowl
Whisk
Salad bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can grill the chicken ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Add your favorite nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

This chicken spinach salad recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck gathering! One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs with ease.

If you’re planning ahead for future meals or events, feel free to prep individual components like grilling the chicken or chopping veggies ahead of time. Then simply assemble everything together just before serving.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Spinach Salad

1. What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they cook evenly and quickly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a more indulgent option.

2. Can I substitute other greens for spinach?

While spinach is the star of this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other leafy greens like kale or arugula if you prefer a different flavor profile.

3. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To prevent overcooking, make sure to not overcrowd the grill or skillet when cooking the chicken. You can also cover it with foil during cooking to retain moisture.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Unfortunately, this recipe isn’t suitable for vegans due to the presence of chicken; however, you can easily swap it out with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.

5. Can I store leftovers in an airtight container?

Yes, you can store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze it for later use.

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