Grilled Chicken Salad is a quintessential dish for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal that aligns with the W-W program. This version of Grilled Chicken Salad combines succulent, perfectly grilled chicken breasts with a bounty of fresh vegetables, all dressed in a zesty, homemade vinaigrette. It’s a meal that’s as satisfying as it is healthy, offering a perfect blend of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This recipe is designed to be point-friendly, ensuring you can savor every bite without worry.
The Grilled Chicken Salad stands out as a beacon of healthy eating, providing a perfect harmony between lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a tantalizing dressing that ties everything together with a touch of sophistication. Grilling the chicken not only infuses it with a smoky flavor but also retains its juiciness, making every bite satisfyingly tender. The selection of vegetables brings a crisp freshness to the dish, each with its own set of nutrients and benefits, from the lycopene in tomatoes to the hydration from cucumbers.
This salad is more than just a meal; it’s a colorful canvas that invites creativity. The inclusion of feta cheese adds a creamy tanginess that complements the smoky chicken, while the homemade vinaigrette offers a much-needed acidity to cut through the richness, making each mouthful perfectly balanced.
What makes this Grilled Chicken Salad ideal for W-W members is its flexibility. It can be easily adjusted to fit into any day’s points budget, making it a go-to option for both everyday lunches and special occasions. Whether you’re dining alone or entertaining guests, this salad is sure to impress with its depth of flavor, nutritional value, and visual appeal.
Moreover, this dish exemplifies the principle that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland. It challenges the notion, offering a feast for the senses that nourishes the body, satisfies cravings, and supports your wellness journey. This Grilled Chicken Salad is a testament to the joy of eating well, showcasing that with the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy delicious, gourmet-quality meals that align with your health and weight loss goals.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6 ounces each)
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, color of your choice, sliced
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and feta cheese.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the sliced grilled chicken to the salad. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Divide the salad among plates. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- WW Points: This salad can range from 0 to 4 points on the WW Blue and Purple plans, depending on the use of oil and cheese. For the Green plan, points mainly come from the chicken.
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