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Fresh Spring Mix Salad with Grilled Chicken Easy Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

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A quick and easy fresh spring mix salad with smoky grilled chicken and a bright, homemade lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches, this salad combines crisp greens, juicy chicken, and a zesty dressing for a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups spring mix greens (a mix of baby lettuces, arugula, and spinach)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup cucumber, sliced thin
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Optionally, add smoked paprika or dried herbs. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
  3. Grill chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  4. While chicken cooks, whisk together lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine spring mix greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion. Add sliced grilled chicken on top.
  6. Drizzle lemon vinaigrette over salad and toss gently to coat without bruising the greens.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts over the salad. Serve immediately.

Notes

Dry chicken before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Add vinaigrette slowly and toss gently to avoid bruising greens. Store salad components separately for best freshness if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring mix salad, grilled chicken salad, lemon vinaigrette, easy salad recipe, healthy lunch, quick dinner, gluten-free salad, low-carb salad

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/fresh-spring-mix-salad-with-grilled-chicken-easy-lemon-vinaigrette-recipe/