Name: Delicious Lemon Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 large garlic clove, minced; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 large chicken breast, halved horizontally or 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 tbsp extra lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp finely chopped dill; 8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (or other lettuce of choice); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium avocado, quartered and thickly sliced; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; ¾ cup corn kernels (fresh or canned, drained); 120g/4 oz bacon, cooked and chopped (optional but highly recommended)

Are you ready to elevate your meal game with a delicious and refreshing dish? The Lemon Chicken Salad is not just your regular salad; it’s a burst of flavor that combines succulent, well-seasoned chicken with vibrant vegetables and a zingy dressing that you’ll fall in love with. Perfect for those warm days when you want something light yet fulfilling, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The inclusion of honey in the dressing enhances the flavors beautifully, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

This Lemon Chicken Salad is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can whip it up on a Sunday and enjoy it for lunches throughout the week. It’s also great for picnics or as a light dinner. The freshness of the ingredients, combined with the zesty lemon juice and olive oil dressing, makes this recipe a wonderful choice for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing taste. With a cooking time of under 30 minutes, it’s both quick and easy to prepare, allowing you to serve a gourmet meal without the hassle. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken Salad

Fresh and Zesty: The combination of lemon zest and juice ensures that every bite is bursting with a refreshing flavor.
Quick and Easy: This recipe can be completed in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Filling: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies, this salad is nutritious and satisfying.
Versatile: Customize it by adding your favorite proteins or veggies for a personal twist.
Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start your culinary adventure, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. Ensure your workspace is clean and organized. Having all your ingredients prepped and within arm’s reach will make your cooking process more efficient. For this recipe, you will need a cutting board, knives for chopping vegetables and slicing chicken, and a large mixing bowl for assembling the salad.

A non-stick skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken, ensuring it doesn’t stick and allowing for easy flipping. A small jar or container with a lid will suffice for shaking up the dressing. A whisk can also be handy if you prefer to mix the dressing in a bowl. Finally, having a salad bowl ready for mixing all the ingredients is recommended.

Ingredients

2 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 large chicken breast, halved horizontally or 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp extra lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp finely chopped dill
8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (or other lettuce of choice)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium avocado, quartered and thickly sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
¾ cup corn kernels (fresh or canned, drained)
120g/4 oz bacon, cooked and chopped (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing and Marinade

Begin by making the zesty dressing that will enhance all the ingredients in your salad. In a small jar or bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Shake the jar or whisk the mixture until everything is well combined. This dressing will not only flavor the salad but will also marinate the chicken, infusing it with delicious flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference for tartness.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Next, place the halved chicken breast or thighs in a bowl. Pour two tablespoons of the dressing over the chicken, then add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated. For optimal flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes. However, if you’re planning ahead, feel free to marinate it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, which will make the chicken even more flavorful.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated sufficiently, it’s time to cook it. Heat half a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Alternatively, if you’ve prepared bacon, consider using the reserved bacon fat for cooking the chicken to add an extra layer of flavor. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet. If cooking halved breasts, aim to cook each side for about 2 minutes, ensuring a nice sear. For thighs, you may need to cook them for closer to 4 minutes per side until they are cooked through. When finished, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil for about 3 minutes to allow it to rest before slicing.

Step 4: Prepare the Salad Base

While the chicken is resting, take the time to prepare the salad base. Chop your romaine lettuce and toss it into a large salad bowl. Next, add in the halved cherry tomatoes, thick avocado slices, thinly sliced red onion, and corn kernels. If you chose to include bacon, crumble it over the top for an extra savory touch. These ingredients not only add flavor but also a vibrant color to your salad, making it visually appealing.

Step 5: Assemble and Dress the Salad

Now that your chicken has rested and your salad base is ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Take the remaining dressing you prepared earlier and shake it with the chopped dill to enhance the flavor. Drizzle this dressing over the salad base, then elegantly place the sliced chicken on top. Toss the salad lightly to ensure all the ingredients are coated in that delicious dressing. For the best flavor experience, serve this salad immediately while the ingredients are fresh!

Variations

Protein: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Vegetables: Add in cucumbers, bell peppers, or radishes to enhance crunch and color.
Spices: Experiment with adding some cumin or smoked paprika in the dressing for a unique twist.

Cooking Notes

Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender for slicing.
You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this salad with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serve it alongside a glass of chilled white wine to complement the lemony flavors.

Tips

If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken as a shortcut.
Adjust the honey in the dressing for your desired level of sweetness.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 500mg

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble right before serving to maintain the crunch of the vegetables.

What can I substitute for lemon if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have lemon, lime juice can be used as an alternative for a different citrus flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep enthusiasts.

Can I add nuts or seeds?

Yes! Adding nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or walnuts can enhance the texture and nutrition of the salad.

Conclusion

The Lemon Chicken Salad is the ideal dish to enjoy all year round. With its vibrant flavors, nutritious ingredients, and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder this recipe stands out as a favorite among many. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or an appealing dish for a gathering, this salad checks all the boxes. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by experimenting with different proteins and vegetables. I encourage you to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below! Happy cooking!