Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad Bowl

Name: Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 6 cups mixed salad greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light Kitchen Classics

I love a colorful, vibrant salad that feels satisfying yet light, and this Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad Bowl delivers just that! With juicy grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, it’s my go-to meal for a refreshing lunch or dinner. The best part? It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Each bite is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that keep me coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try this delicious recipe that makes healthy eating feel effortless!

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-02-23T20:56:50.784Z

When I first discovered the magic of grilled chicken on top of a salad, I knew I had struck gold. The smoky flavor of the chicken pairs so beautifully with fresh vegetables, and it transforms a regular salad into a hearty meal. I often experiment with different dressings, but I've found that a simple lemon vinaigrette truly lets the flavors shine.

One of my favorite tips is to marinate the chicken in a bit of lime juice and garlic before grilling. It infuses the meat with a burst of flavor and ensures it's juicy and tender. Trust me, this extra step is worth it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied
Versatile with endless topping variations
Quick to prepare, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner

Maximize Flavor with Marination

Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing it with flavor. My go-to marinade includes olive oil and lime juice, which not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a zesty brightness. I recommend marinating for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, an hour or even overnight in the fridge enhances the taste even further. Just remember to keep it covered in the refrigerator to avoid any contamination.

For an extra flavor kick, experiment by adding spices like smoked paprika or cumin to the marinade. These spices provide a depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fresh vegetables in your salad. As an alternative, if you want to keep it simple, garlic powder or Italian seasoning can elevate the dish without extra prep time.

Choosing the Right Greens and Vegetables

The choice of salad greens can significantly affect the texture and taste of your dish. I recommend a mix of leafy greens like arugula, spinach, and romaine for varied textures and nutrients. Crunchy elements like cucumbers and bell peppers not only add color but also provide refreshing bites that contrast nicely with the tender grilled chicken.

If you're looking to incorporate seasonal vegetables, feel free to swap in ingredients like roasted beets in the fall or sliced radishes in the spring. These swaps can keep your salads exciting year-round. However, be mindful of water-rich vegetables like tomatoes, as they can leach moisture into the salad. To mitigate this, consider salting them slightly and draining any excess water before mixing them into the salad.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a deliciously healthy salad:

For the Salad

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 avocado, sliced

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to prepare this healthy dish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad Bowl:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and avocado.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Bowl

Toss the salad with the dressing and top with sliced grilled chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Dig into your delicious and healthy creation!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider topping your salad with nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch. You can also substitute chicken with grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.

Perfecting the Dressing

Making your dressing is a great way to control the flavors and ensure freshness. This dressing balances tangy apple cider vinegar with the sweetness of honey, creating a delightful vinaigrette that complements the chicken and veggies beautifully. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of buttermilk for a richer dressing.

The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again, as separation can occur. Also, feel free to adjust the honey based on your preference for sweetness or to enhance flavor with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro.

Serving and Storing Tips

This salad bowl is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the salad greens crisp, it's wise to store the dressing separately and only dress the salad right before serving. If you have leftovers, keep the components divided to avoid sogginess, especially from the avocado and tomato, which can degrade in texture over time.

To elevate your salad bowl experience, serve it with whole grain components like quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and nutrition. You can even layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a portable lunch option. Just make sure to place the dressing at the bottom to keep the greens dry until you're ready to eat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and store them separately. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies, such as carrots, radishes, or spinach, to customize the salad to your taste.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This salad keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, making it perfect for meal prepping for the week.

→ Can I use leftover grilled chicken?

Yes, leftover grilled chicken works great in this salad. Just slice it up and toss it into your salad mix!