DESCRIPTION OF CITRUS ZEST GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD
Elevate your meal with this Citrus Zest Grilled Chicken Salad, a refreshing combination of tender grilled chicken, crisp salad greens, and juicy oranges, all brought together with a ginger-sesame dressing. This salad bursts with vibrant colours and flavours, enhanced by a homemade marinade that infuses the chicken with a delightful citrusy zing. Perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious dinner, this dish is not only pleasing to the palate but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Entrée, Lunch, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
- 4 servings
CUISINE
- Asian, American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Marinate, Grill, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Summer, Backyard BBQ, Picnic, Healthy Eating, Spring
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Healthy, Low Fat, High Protein, Dairy-Free
DISH TYPE
- Salad
INGREDIENTS FOR CITRUS ZEST GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD
Chicken and Marinade:
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme or savory
Salad:
- 4 cups salad greens
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 medium oranges, peeled and sectioned
- Sliced almonds, toasted
Dressing:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp shallots, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Pending detailed analysis.
PREPARATION FOR CITRUS ZEST GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine orange zest, orange juice, minced garlic, honey, and thyme in a bowl. Add chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, toss salad greens, red bell pepper slices, and orange sections.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped shallots, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: Add grilled chicken slices to the salad. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra orange zest if desired.
PREP TIME
- 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
COOKING TIME
- 15 minutes
TIPS FOR CITRUS ZEST GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD
- For an added crunch, include croutons or additional nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- To make this salad a meal, serve with a side of crusty bread or a small bowl of soup.
VARIATIONS
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of chilli oil or a sprinkle of chilli flakes to the dressing for a spicy version.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR CITRUS ZEST GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD
- Salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped a day ahead by storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving.
- Grilled chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
This recipe combines fresh, vibrant ingredients and simple preparation techniques to create a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.