Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This Grilled Chicken Bean Spinach Salad is about to revolutionize your lunch and dinner game. Imagine perfectly grilled chicken, crisp spinach, and a zesty lime dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just looking for a quick, impressive meal, this recipe is your ultimate culinary solution!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup corn, grilled
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, 1 can of black beans (rinsed), 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1/2 cup of grilled corn, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts to season them.
- Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad components. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, grilled corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh spinach.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Pour this dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist.
- After resting, slice the grilled chicken into strips and add it to the salad mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve the Grilled Chicken Bean Spinach Salad immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Tips
- Chicken Perfection: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee it reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling for extra tenderness and flavor. A simple mix of olive oil, lime juice, and herbs works wonders.
- Corn Grilling Hack: If you don't have a grill, you can char the corn in a cast-iron skillet for a similar smoky flavor.
- Salad Freshness: Add the spinach and dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Meal Prep Tip: Grill extra chicken to use in salads or other dishes throughout the week, saving you time and adding variety to your meals.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have. Try different beans, add avocado, or experiment with different herbs to make this recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
