Low Calorie Chicken Dinner: Grilled Chicken Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

A big salad with grilled chicken and balsamic is the low calorie dinner that somehow never gets old. Fresh, tangy, and filling when you pile on enough greens.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 260 kcal
#high protein #low carb #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breast 12 oz
  • mixed salad greens 6 cups
  • cherry tomatoes 1 cup
  • cucumber 1 medium
  • red onion 0.25 cup
  • avocado 0.5 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp
  • extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard 1 tsp
  • honey 1 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 14 g 22%
Protein 31 g 48%
Fat 8 g 30%
Serving size 275g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat while you pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Season the chicken breasts on both sides with half the salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.

  3. 3

    Grill the chicken breasts for about 5–6 minutes per side, turning once and pressing lightly; grill just until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate to rest for 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, prepare the salad: Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion thinly, and cut the avocado into wedges.

  5. 5

    In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and the remaining salt and pepper until fully emulsified.

  6. 6

    Arrange the salad greens in a large bowl or platter, scatter over the vegetables and avocado, and toss gently.

  7. 7

    Slice the rested grilled chicken across the grain into strips; place the chicken over the salad greens.

  8. 8

    Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the assembled salad and serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient is boneless skinless chicken breast, which provides lean protein and forms the flavorful, hearty base of the salad. The grilled preparation adds depth and a savory contrast to the fresh greens and tangy vinaigrette.
Q. How should I control heat when grilling the chicken?
Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear while keeping the chicken juicy. Cook the chicken 5–6 minutes per side, and remove it once it reaches 165°F internally. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
Q. How can I keep the salad crisp and prevent sogginess?
To keep the salad crisp, always dry the salad greens thoroughly before assembling, and dress the salad with balsamic vinaigrette just before serving. Resting and slicing the grilled chicken after it cools slightly also prevents excess moisture from wilting the greens.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving is approximately 275g and delivers around 260 kcal, with 31g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. This salad is high in protein (48% of calories) and relatively low in carbs (22%).
Q. What makes the vinaigrette stand out in this recipe?
The vinaigrette is a blend of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. This combination delivers tanginess, balanced acidity, and subtle sweetness, enhancing both the chicken and salad greens without overpowering their fresh flavors.
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