Transform your mealtime with this incredibly flavorful and effortlessly simple Grilled Chicken Salad recipe, perfectly complemented by our signature Pesto Ranch Dressing. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors and healthy eating, ideal for any day of the week. Featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a zesty lemon and herb marinade, this salad promises a burst of deliciousness in every bite. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe offers a perfect blend of convenience, health, and gourmet taste.
The secret to this salad’s irresistible appeal lies not only in its perfectly grilled chicken but also in its homemade Pesto Ranch Dressing. This creamy, herbaceous dressing elevates the entire dish, making it suitable for this grilled chicken masterpiece or any other green salad you desire. Crafted with a harmonious blend of creamy mayonnaise, tangy buttermilk, classic ranch seasoning, and your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto, it delivers a unique flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. Get ready to impress your palate and your guests with this delightful culinary creation!
The Ultimate Simple Grilled Chicken Salad for Any Occasion
Imagine a warm summer evening, the air filled with the aroma of sizzling barbecue, but without the hassle of a heavy meal. This grilled chicken salad recipe is your culinary answer. It’s the quintessential dish for those blissful summer nights when you prefer to keep your kitchen cool and your meal light. Beyond its seasonal charm, its simplicity makes it a fantastic option for a busy weekday lunch or dinner, while its elegant presentation ensures it’s sophisticated enough to serve when entertaining friends and family. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that effortlessly adapts to your needs.
The heart of this salad is the tender chicken breast, meticulously marinated to perfection. Each piece is bathed in a bright mixture of fresh lemon juice, rich avocado oil, and an aromatic Italian herb seasoning blend. This marinade works magic, deeply infusing the chicken with flavor while ensuring it remains incredibly moist and juicy as it cooks on the grill. Once perfectly grilled, the chicken is thinly sliced and arranged atop a bed of crisp, fresh greens, creating a visually appealing and satisfying base. The grand finale is a generous drizzle of our freshly prepared, zesty Pesto Ranch Buttermilk Dressing, which ties all the vibrant components together with its creamy, herbaceous tang. Prepare yourself for a symphony of flavors and textures that will make this salad a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation.
If your culinary adventures often lead you to explore the diverse world of chicken salads, you’re in for a treat! Our collection extends beyond this delightful grilled option, offering a variety of profiles to tantalize every taste bud. For those who crave smoky, sweet, and savory notes, be sure to explore our robust BBQ Chicken Salad. If you’re in the mood for something with an exotic twist and vibrant spices, our Thai Chicken Chopped Salad offers an exciting journey for your palate. And for a classic American comfort food experience reimagined in salad form, don’t miss our indulgent BLT Chicken Salad. Each recipe provides a unique and satisfying take on this beloved dish, ensuring you’ll find a new favorite for every craving.
Unlocking Flavor: A Deep Dive into Our Key Ingredients
Crafting the perfect grilled chicken salad requires a careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at the components that make this salad truly exceptional:
- Chicken Marinade: The Foundation of Flavor
A truly outstanding grilled chicken begins with an exceptional marinade. This isn’t just about adding flavor; it’s about tenderizing the meat and locking in moisture. Our marinade is thoughtfully designed to achieve both, resulting in chicken that’s moist, juicy, and bursting with taste. - Avocado Oil: The Ideal Base
For this specific chicken marinade, we highly recommend using avocado oil. Its neutral flavor ensures that the other ingredients shine through, while its impressively high smoke point makes it perfect for grilling. This means less risk of burning and more consistent cooking, contributing to a beautifully browned and flavorful chicken breast. If avocado oil isn’t available, a light olive oil or grapeseed oil can also work well, just be mindful of their smoke points. - Lemon Juice: The Tangy Tenderizer
Acid is a non-negotiable element in any effective marinade, and for this recipe, fresh lemon juice is our star. The natural acidity of lemon juice not only brightens the flavor profile of the chicken but also works scientifically to break down tough muscle fibers. This tenderizing action results in chicken that is remarkably soft and palatable after grilling. As an alternative, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also provide the necessary acidic punch. - Italian Seasoning Mix: A Burst of Herbs and Spices
To infuse the chicken with a rich, aromatic depth, we utilize a versatile Italian seasoning mix. The Good Seasons Zesty Italian dressing packet is a personal favorite, offering a convenient way to add a complex blend of herbs and spices without unnecessary calories. This packet contains a delightful mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, along with garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper. It’s an incredibly adaptable seasoning that harmonizes beautifully with the lemon and oil, creating a robust flavor foundation for your grilled chicken. - Avocados: Creamy Indulgence
No California-style chicken salad is complete without the creamy luxury of fresh avocados. Whether you prefer them sliced elegantly or cut into substantial chunks, they add a rich, buttery texture and a wealth of healthy fats to the salad. To prevent browning and ensure peak freshness, always prepare and cut your avocados just before you’re ready to serve the salad. A splash of lemon juice can also help maintain their vibrant green color. - Tomatoes: Sweet and Juicy Bursts
The addition of fresh tomatoes brings a welcome pop of color and a sweet, juicy counterpoint to the savory chicken. While we’ve opted for halved cherry tomatoes for their bite-sized convenience and concentrated flavor, feel free to use your favorite variety. A large, ripe beefsteak or heirloom tomato, cut into generous chunks, would also work wonderfully, adding a rustic charm to your salad. - Pepper Jack Cheese: A Hint of Heat
For those who appreciate a touch of spice, Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent addition, lending a subtle kick that perfectly complements the other flavors. If a milder cheese is preferred, fresh mozzarella cheese is a fantastic substitute, offering a creamy, delicate taste. For ease, you can cube a block of fresh mozzarella or even slice up a few mozzarella cheese sticks for quick preparation. - Lettuce: The Crisp Canvas
The base of any great salad is its greens, and for this recipe, a crisp and vibrant lettuce is key. Romaine lettuce is an excellent choice for its satisfying crunch and slightly bitter notes, while butter lettuce offers a softer texture and milder flavor. Feel free to use your favorite variety of lettuce or even a mix of greens to add complexity and nutritional value to your salad. - Pesto Ranch Dressing: The Star of the Show
This dressing, while deceptively simple, is a true flavor powerhouse. It’s a remarkable fusion of two beloved classics, creating a creamy, herbaceous, and tangy sauce that you’ll want to put on everything. It’s not just for salads; it makes an incredible dip for fresh vegetables, chips, or even as a spread for sandwiches. To craft this delightful dressing, follow a simple 3:1 ratio: combine 2/3 cup of your preferred ranch dressing with 1/3 cup of your favorite pesto sauce. Whisk them together until smooth, and behold – an incredible, versatile ranch dressing variation that will elevate any dish!
Crafting Perfection: A Step-by-Step Guide to Grilled Chicken Salad
Creating this flavorful grilled chicken salad is a straightforward process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps designed to ensure tender chicken and a perfectly balanced salad. Follow these instructions for a truly satisfying meal:
- Prepare and Tenderize the Chicken: Begin by removing the chicken breasts from their packaging. Place them inside a large, sturdy freezer bag. Using a rolling pin, a sturdy mason jar, or the flat side of a meat tenderizer, gently but firmly pound the thickest part of each chicken breast. Your goal is to achieve an even thickness of approximately 3/4 inch across the entire breast. This ensures uniform cooking and maximizes tenderness. A few decisive whacks should do the trick, avoid over-pounding.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Once the chicken is tenderized, open the freezer bag and add the avocado oil, fresh lemon juice, and the Italian seasoning mix. Seal the bag securely, removing as much air as possible. Gently roll and massage the bag to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours. For the absolute best flavor and juiciest results, allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 24 hours is highly recommended. The longer marinating time allows the acidic elements to work their magic, deeply infusing the chicken with robust flavors and further enhancing its tenderness.
- Achieve Perfect Grilled Chicken: Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, aiming for an approximate temperature of 350 degrees F. Once the grill is hot, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken breasts directly onto the hot grill grates. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until each side is beautifully golden brown and shows distinct grill marks. Use tongs to flip the breasts only once. To ensure the chicken is safely cooked through, use a digital meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part.
- Rest for Juicier Results: Once the chicken has reached the ideal internal temperature, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a platter. Loosely tent the platter with aluminum foil and allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices within the chicken to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in an even juicier and more flavorful chicken breast. It also helps to keep the chicken warm while you prepare the rest of the salad components.
- Assemble Your Vibrant Salad: While the chicken rests, prepare your Pesto Ranch Dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, and pesto. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Set it aside. Now, for the salad base: in a separate, spacious serving bowl, combine the bite-sized romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, pepper jack cheese chunks, and the freshly diced avocado. Slice the rested grilled chicken into desired pieces (strips or cubes) and artfully arrange it over the top of the prepared greens and other ingredients. Finally, generously drizzle the homemade Pesto Ranch Dressing over the entire salad. Toss gently if desired, or serve the dressing on the side for individual preferences. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Chicken Salad
Here are answers to some common questions about making the best grilled chicken salad:
How do you keep grilled chicken moist and tender?
Achieving truly tender and juicy grilled chicken breasts involves a few key techniques. First, tenderizing your chicken by pounding it to a uniform 3/4-inch thickness is paramount. This ensures even cooking and prevents drier spots. Remember, just a few gentle but firm whacks will do the trick – avoid over-pounding! Second, a good marinade is essential. The acidic component (like lemon juice or vinegar) in the marinade helps to break down the muscle fibers, making the chicken more tender, while the oil helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, do not overcook your chicken. The best way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken is to use a digital meat thermometer. Grill the chicken only until its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Immediately remove it from the heat once this temperature is achieved, as it will continue to cook slightly while resting.
What temperature indicates that chicken breast is done?
Chicken breast is safely cooked and officially “done” when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). To prevent overcooking and ensure maximum juiciness, it’s often best practice to remove the chicken from the grill when it reaches about 162-163 degrees F. This allows for what is known as “carryover cooking,” where the internal temperature will continue to rise a few degrees after it’s taken off the heat. After removing it from the grill, let the chicken rest loosely tented under foil. This resting period further helps it reach the safe internal temperature while redistributing the precious juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.
Expert Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Breast Salad
Elevate your grilled chicken salad from good to extraordinary with these tried-and-true tips:
- Uniformly Tenderize Your Meat: Pounding chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness before marinating ensures consistent cooking and maximum tenderness. This prevents thinner parts from drying out while thicker parts finish cooking.
- Prioritize Marination: Always marinate your chicken breasts. The lemon juice and oil not only add incredible flavor but also chemically tenderize the meat, making it juicy and succulent. Aim for at least 2 hours, and up to 24 hours for optimal results.
- Grill Low and Slow for Tenderness: Instead of high heat, cook your chicken breasts at a medium-low heat for slightly longer durations. This approach helps to keep the chicken breast tender and juicy, preventing it from drying out.
- Perfect Grill Marks and Timing: Cook chicken breasts on medium heat until golden brown, typically 6-7 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip them gently to avoid tearing the meat.
- Trust Your Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken without overcooking is to use a digital meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breast should register 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Rest the Chicken: After grilling, always transfer the chicken to a platter and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the internal juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is as moist and flavorful as possible.
- Freshness is Key: For the salad components, use the freshest produce available. This makes a significant difference in taste and texture.
- Chill Your Dressing: Prepare your Pesto Ranch Dressing in advance and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and provides a refreshing coolness to the salad.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, assemble and serve the salad immediately after the chicken has rested and been sliced. This ensures the greens remain crisp and the avocado stays vibrant.
Average rating: 5 stars from 1 vote
Simple Grilled Chicken Salad with Pesto Ranch Dressing
The Carefree Kitchen
This grilled chicken salad is incredibly delicious and perfect for any occasion. It features a simple, flavorful grilled chicken marinade recipe that ensures tender, juicy chicken, perfectly complemented by a delightful Pesto Ranch Dressing that everyone will adore. It’s truly a wonderful grilled chicken recipe that promises a satisfying and healthy meal.
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10 mins
25 mins
35 mins
6
people
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken Marinade
- 2¼ pounds chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 (0.7-ounce) package Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
Pesto Ranch Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 (1-ounce) packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup pesto
Ingredients for Chicken Salad
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, cut into ½-inch chunks
- 1 large avocado, cut into ¾-inch chunks
Instructions
Remove chicken from packaging and place into a large freezer bag. Use a rolling pin, mason jar, or the flat side of a meat tenderizer to pound the thickest part of the chicken breast until it is all an even 3/4″ thickness.
Open the freezer bag and add the avocado oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning mix. Seal the bag and roll gently to mix all the ingredients together.
Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
Grilling the Marinated Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium heat (approximately 350 degrees F).
Remove chicken breasts from the marinade and place onto the hot grill. Cook until golden brown, or about 6-7 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip the breasts over and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Remove chicken from the grill and place it on a platter with foil over it for about 5 minutes to rest.
Assembling the Grilled Chicken Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, and pesto. Mix well and then set aside. In a separate large serving bowl, add the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, Pepper Jack cheese, and diced avocado. Slice the rested chicken and arrange it over the top.
Drizzle generously with the prepared Pesto Ranch Dressing and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Storing instructions: Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for optimal freshness. The dressed salad is best consumed immediately, but leftovers can be stored for up to 2 days. Cooked chicken can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving)
Calories: 703 kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 721mg | Potassium: 940mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1647IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Main Course, Salad, Lunch, Dinner
American, Healthy
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This Grilled Chicken Salad featuring our fantastic Pesto Ranch Dressing isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. With its simple yet powerful grilled chicken marinade and the zesty, creamy dressing, it stands out as one of the best chicken breast salad recipes you’ll ever make. It’s a truly wonderful and versatile dish, perfect for quick weeknight meals, entertaining, or simply enjoying a healthy and satisfying lunch. We hope you savor every bite of this delightful creation!