Grilled Chicken Salad Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing

Grilled Chicken Salad with Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing

This recipe is a delightful combination of protein-packed grilled chicken, refreshing greens, and a tangy-sweet homemade dressing.

Ingredients:

• For the Grilled Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 5 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

• For the Salad:

  • 8 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Other salad toppings of your choice (cucumber, avocado, olives, etc.)

• For the Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing:

  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Cooking Guide:

1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, your favorite herbs (Italian seasoning, thyme, etc.), salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Let the chicken cool slightly before slicing.

3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the pressed garlic, sliced sweet onion, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, chopped pecans (if using), and crumbled feta cheese (if using).

5. Serve: Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it over the salad. Drizzle with desired amount of homemade sweet onion dressing and enjoy!

Tips:

• Grilling the Chicken: You can also grill the chicken breasts on a grill pan on your stovetop if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
• Salad Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to your salad like cucumber, avocado, olives, or bell peppers.
• Dressing Variations: If you prefer a thicker dressing, omit 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Leftovers: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.