Save This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Salad became my answer to steamy summer days when I craved something hearty yet bright. Juicy grilled chicken and crisp greens meet a zingy lemon herb dressing that feels like sunshine in a bowl. It is the kind of meal that makes you feel good inside and out whether you are eating out on the patio or meal prepping for your busiest weeknights.
The first time I made this I had leftover grilled chicken and handfuls of parsley and basil from the garden. Since then it is my go-to for picky eaters and impresses every guest with just how lively and satisfying salad can be.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose organic or pasture raised for juiciest results
- Mixed salad greens: Tender baby spinach arugula or field greens offer texture and nutrients
- Fresh lemon juice and zest: Buy bright yellow lemons with tight skin for maximum juice and flavor
- Extra virgin olive oil: Richly flavored oil makes the dressing silky
- Fresh herbs: Parsley basil and oregano bring fragrance and color use whatever looks perky at the market
- Garlic: Choose firm cloves for a punchy base in the marinade and dressing
- Cherry tomatoes: Pick plump bright ones for pops of sweetness
- Cucumber: English cucumbers are crisp with edible skin
- Feta cheese: Adds creamy briny notes use a sheep’s milk feta if possible for authenticity
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for bite soak briefly in cold water to mellow sharpness
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper: Look for fine grains and freshly ground for best flavor
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken in a shallow dish and cover with olive oil lemon juice zest freshly minced garlic and chopped herbs. Massage for even coating. Allow to rest at least 20 minutes in the fridge. Longer marinating enhances the herbal aroma and helps tenderize the meat.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Oil the grates well. Lay marinated chicken on the hot surface. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side flipping once until the interior reads 165 degrees and juices run clear. Rest the meat on a plate tented with foil to keep it juicy.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While chicken grills rinse and spin dry your greens. Slice tomatoes in half dice cucumber thinly slice onion and crumble the feta by hand. Patting ingredients dry helps the dressing cling so your salad stays vibrant and not soggy.
- Make the Lemon Herb Dressing:
- Whisk together olive oil fresh lemon juice zest more chopped herbs a grated garlic clove sea salt and pepper in a small bowl. Taste for balance adding more lemon or salt as needed. The dressing should taste bright herbaceous and lively.
- Assemble the Salad:
- On a large platter or in individual bowls arrange greens then scatter over tomatoes cucumber onion and feta. Slice the grilled chicken against the grain and fan it over the salad. Drizzle generously with dressing so everything glistens.
- Toss and Serve:
- Just before serving lightly toss salad to distribute flavors. Enjoy immediately while everything is fresh and crisp for the best eating experience.
Save Every summer my herb pots overflow and this salad is my favorite way to showcase them at their peak. One time my niece helped me pluck basil leaves and we could not stop sniffing our hands then laughing over the lemony tang with every bite.
Storage Tips
Store undressed salad and grilled chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the lemon herb dressing in a small jar so you can dress each serving last minute which keeps everything crisp. Leftover chicken makes tasty wraps or grain bowls on day two.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in grilled shrimp or tofu for chicken. Use goat cheese or a dairy free feta for those with sensitivities. Try spinach and mint with a touch of dill if that is what you have on hand or a splash of white wine vinegar in place of lemon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad alongside crusty bread or pita for a complete meal or tuck the chicken and veggies into a flatbread for a sandwich style wrap. Add grilled corn or roasted chickpeas for extra crunch. I love bringing this dish to picnics alongside chilled melon.
Cultural and Historical Context
The concept of pairing grilled meats with vibrant herbs and greens hails from Mediterranean traditions where lemon olive oil and seasonal bounty are essentials. This salad brings that sun-drenched freshness to your table even if you are far from the sea.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring swap tomatoes for sliced radish and peas for a green twist. Autumn is great for adding roasted squash or apples mixed with sage. Winter calls for preserved lemon and a hit of smoked paprika in the dressing for warmth.
Success Stories
Many friends have thanked me after taking this salad to a backyard potluck it usually disappears before anything else. One neighbor now grills double chicken to have extras on hand for easy meals because the herb flavor gets even better the next day.
Freezer Meal Conversion
While greens do not freeze well you can grill marinated chicken in advance then freeze sliced portions to be thawed and sliced into future salads. Store the dressing base without fresh herbs and add them fresh at serving for bright flavor.
Save This salad is best enjoyed fresh right after tossing with the herbaceous dressing. For a burst of summer even on busy weekdays keep extra chicken ready for quick wholesome meals.
Recipe FAQ
- → What herbs pair best with lemon and chicken?
Fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and oregano complement lemon and enhance the grilled chicken’s flavor.
- → How long should chicken marinate before grilling?
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for maximum flavor infusion.
- → Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and provide juicy, tender results when grilled with herbs and lemon.
- → Which greens work best for the salad base?
Try mixed baby greens, arugula, spinach, or Romaine for crispness and added nutrition.
- → Is grilling outdoors necessary for this dish?
No, a stovetop grill pan is a great alternative if outdoor grilling isn’t available.