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Healthy Summer Salad Recipes | 19 Fresh Easy Salad Ideas


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  • Author: dina
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Savor summer with this vibrant grilled chicken salad! Crisp greens, sweet strawberries, cool cucumber, and tangy feta come together for a light, satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 6 ounces grilled chicken breast, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the fresh produce. Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. Slice the fresh strawberries and thinly slice the English cucumber.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the protein and crunch. If not already cooked, grill 6 ounces of chicken breast until fully cooked, then let it rest and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then set aside to cool.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together the Lemon Vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of honey (optional, for sweetness), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk until well emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Assemble the salad. In a large serving bowl, place the mixed greens. Evenly distribute the sliced grilled chicken, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese over the greens.
  5. Step 5: Dress and serve. Just before serving, drizzle the homemade Lemon Vinaigrette over the salad. Sprinkle with the toasted sliced almonds. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately for a fresh summer meal.

Notes

  • To keep your salad vibrant for a day or two, store the mixed greens and other wet ingredients like strawberries and cucumber separately from the grilled chicken, feta, almonds, and dressing; combine everything just before serving.
  • This vibrant salad is designed to be enjoyed fresh and chilled; avoid reheating to preserve the delicate texture of the greens and fruit, opting instead to enjoy any leftovers cold.
  • This refreshing salad is a fantastic standalone summer meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a light whole-grain roll or a chilled glass of sparkling water infused with mint for an extra touch of freshness.
  • For the crispiest greens and to ensure your homemade dressing adheres beautifully, always take an extra moment to thoroughly dry your mixed greens after washing; a salad spinner is truly your best friend for this!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large salad
  • Calories: 370
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 10g