This is the salad to build your weekend around. It’s vibrant, fresh, loaded with texture and flavor, and finished with the most crave-worthy homemade sweet onion dressing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for something satisfying and clean, this Grilled Chicken Salad hits every note.
Why You’ll Love This Salad:
- Packed with protein and fresh veggies
- Naturally gluten-free and made with wholesome ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep, parties, or weeknight dinners
- That caramelized sweet onion dressing? Totally addictive.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken Salad (Serves 4):
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5 oz each)
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 8 packed cups of mixed leafy greens
- 1 cup cooked corn (fresh, frozen, or thawed)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
For the Sweet Onion Dressing:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1 small sweet onion, chopped
- 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- Juice of ½ a fresh lemon
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with oil, sea salt, and pepper. Grill for about 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
2. Make the Sweet Onion Dressing:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 6 minutes, until soft and golden brown. Transfer to a small blender with the remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with sea salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large serving bowl, layer the mixed greens with grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, corn, eggs, pecans, and avocado. Just before serving, drizzle with the sweet onion dressing and gently toss to combine.
Tips & Variations:
- Protein Swap: Try grilled shrimp, tofu, or even hard-boiled eggs for a vegetarian version.
- Add-ins: Crumbled feta or goat cheese, cucumber slices, or roasted sweet potato cubes make great additions.
- Meal Prep: Keep ingredients separate and toss together when ready to eat for the freshest texture.
Celebrate with Flavor!
This salad is a celebration on a plate—colorful, nourishing, and seriously delicious. It’s proof that healthy food can feel indulgent and festive. Share it with family, friends, or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home.