why make this recipe
This salad mixes warm grilled chicken with fresh greens and a sweet onion dressing. It cooks fast, feeds two to four, and tastes clean and bright. If you like simple grilled chicken dishes, you might also try creamy grilled chicken and broccoli for another easy meal.
introduction
This Grilled Chicken Salad with Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing is light and fresh. You get protein from the chicken and crisp vegetables for a nice bite. The dressing adds a mild sweetness from a small sweet onion and a touch of honey. You can make it for lunch, dinner, or to bring to a small gathering.
how to make Grilled Chicken Salad with Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing
- Preheat your grill or grill pan.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and brush with a little olive oil.
- Grill the chicken until it is cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thin.
- In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Put the sliced chicken on the salad and drizzle the dressing over the top.
- Toss gently to combine and serve right away.
Ingredients :
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions :
- Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let rest and slice.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
- To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, diced sweet onion, and Dijon mustard.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad and drizzle with the dressing.
- Toss gently to combine and serve.
how to serve Grilled Chicken Salad with Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing
Serve the salad on a large platter or in individual bowls. Add extra dressing at the table if you like. Pair it with crusty bread or a light soup for a full meal. Serve immediately so the greens stay crisp.
how to store Grilled Chicken Salad with Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing
Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Do not toss the salad with dressing if you plan to store it; keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.
tips to make Grilled Chicken Salad with Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing
- Pound the chicken to even thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Dice the sweet onion very small so it blends into the dressing and is not too sharp.
- Taste the dressing and add a little more honey if you want it sweeter.
- Use a mix of greens you like for different textures.
variation (if any)
- Swap feta for goat cheese or omit cheese for a dairy-free salad.
- Add avocado slices for more creaminess.
- Use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I cook the chicken in a pan instead of a grill?
A: Yes. Heat a pan with a little oil and cook the chicken 6–8 minutes per side until done.
Q: Can I make the dressing without Dijon mustard?
A: Yes. The dressing will still taste good without mustard. Add a bit more honey or vinegar to keep the balance.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or when the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Q: Can I use a different vinegar?
A: You can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice if you do not have apple cider vinegar. Adjust to taste.
Q: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A: Dress the greens only when you are ready to eat. Store the chicken and dressing separately in the fridge.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A light and refreshing salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a sweet onion dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and brush with a little olive oil.
- Grill the chicken until it is cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thin.
- In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Put the sliced chicken on the salad and drizzle the dressing over the top.
- Toss gently to combine and serve right away.
Notes
Pound the chicken to even thickness for even cooking and let it rest before slicing to retain juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg