Are you tired of boring, bland lunches that leave you unsatisfied and hungry an hour later? Get ready to revolutionize your midday meal with our mouthwatering Simple Lunch Salad Chicken! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's bursting with fresh flavors, protein-packed goodness, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone who loves a quick and delicious meal, this salad is about to become your new lunchtime obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water, then pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- If using pre-cooked chicken, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or chop into small cubes. Ensure the chicken is at room temperature or slightly warm.
- Wash the cucumber and slice it into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. For added visual appeal, consider using a mandoline slicer for consistent cuts.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and carefully slice them in half, ensuring each half remains intact and visually appealing.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even, fluffy foundation for the other ingredients.
- Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the greens, ensuring good coverage across the salad surface.
- Arrange the cucumber slices and halved cherry tomatoes decoratively on top of the chicken layer.
- Season the salad with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing evenly over the salad, using a spoon or salad dressing dispenser for controlled distribution.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with dressing without crushing the delicate greens.
- Serve immediately to maintain the fresh, crisp texture of the ingredients. For best results, serve at room temperature.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken that's still slightly warm when added to the salad.
- Invest in a good quality ranch dressing or consider making your own homemade version for a more personalized taste.
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline for perfectly uniform cucumber slices that look professionally prepared.
- To keep your greens crisp, always wash and thoroughly dry them before assembling the salad.
- For added texture and nutrition, consider optional mix-ins like toasted nuts, crumbled feta, or sliced avocado.
- Prep ingredients in advance and store separately to quickly assemble a fresh salad when you're short on time.
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the perfect balance of textures and prevent soggy greens.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 286kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 27g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg