Prepare to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad! Imagine tender, juicy chicken kissed by balsamic marinade, perfectly grilled and nestled atop a vibrant bed of fresh greens – a dish that promises to tantalize your senses and leave you craving more. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to wow your guests, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure uniform cooking. Place chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Discard remaining marinade.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
- Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle remaining olive oil over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Top salad with sliced grilled chicken and serve immediately.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 15-30 minutes allow the balsamic vinegar to tenderize and infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
- Even Cooking Technique: Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain a medium-high heat around 400°F for that perfect sear and beautiful grill marks.
- Doneness Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F internally – this guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Salad Freshness Tip: Prepare the salad ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp textures and vibrant colors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
