Grilled Chicken Salad
Editor's Note: Marinated grilled chicken and a light, tangy dressing are the key components to making a Grilled Chicken Salad that truly stands out. The grilled chicken is easy to marinade and make, which is why a salad like this is one of those chicken breast recipes you need in your summertime arsenal! This simple salad is a healthy alternative to burgers or ribs that's great to have on hand at a cookout - fresh vegetables such as tomatoes and avocados deliver a burst of refreshment that feels delightful on a hot day. You'll come back to this chicken salad recipe time and time again!
Serves6
Cooking MethodGrilling
CostInexpensive
Total Timea day or more
Make Ahead RecipeYes
Kid FriendlyYes
OccasionCasual Dinner Party
Recipe CourseMain Course
EquipmentGrill
MealDinner
Taste and TextureSavory
Type of DishMain Course Salad
Ingredients
- 3 large whole chicken breasts, split
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly milled black pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
- Salt and freshly milled black pepper
- 1 medium head iceberg lettuce-outer leaves discarded, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3 large ripe tomatoes-peeled, seeded, chopped, and chilled
- 6 green chile or jalapeno peppers-roasted, seeded, deveined, and chopped
- ½ cup pinon nuts, toasted
- 3 ripe avocados
- Charcoal grill, with charcoal, pinon, or fruit wood
Instructions
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Place the chicken breasts in a shallow non-aluminum pan. In a non-aluminum bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts. Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours, turning the breasts at least once.
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Prepare the fire. When the charcoal or wood glows a dusty red, place the breasts, skin side down, on the grill. Grill on one side for about 10 minutes. Turn breasts over and grill for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through, do not overcook. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for 30 minutes (but do not refrigerate).
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Mix the dressing, cover and reserve.
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Meanwhile, compose the salad: Remove the chicken from the bone with a sharp slicing knife. Cut into long, thin, slices including the skin. Place the shredded lettuce in a large bowl. Arrange the tomatoes, chiles, nuts, and chicken attractively over the lettuce. Peel the avocados and slice into long, thin, strips. Add the dressing and toss the salad at the table, or each ingredient may be placed individually on chilled plates, with the dressing served on the side.
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