Italian Chicken Salad

Elevate your lunch or dinner menu with this vibrant and flavorful Italian Chicken Salad, a healthy and satisfying dish packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Tender, golden-brown chicken breast slices rest atop a bed of crisp mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy red onions. The salad is further enriched with briny black olives and delicate shavings of Parmesan cheese for a touch of indulgence. A homemade balsamic vinaigrette, infused with Dijon mustard, honey, and a hint of oregano, ties all the elements together with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this gluten-free, protein-packed salad is ideal for a light yet filling meal. Perfect for meal prep or serving fresh, it’s a crowd-pleasing option for those looking for a wholesome and delicious Italian-inspired recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 4 cups Mixed salad greens
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium Cucumber, sliced
• 0.5 medium Red onion, thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup Black olives, sliced
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
• 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper, and the garlic powder.

Step 3

Cook the chicken breasts in the skillet for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, the remaining salt and pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This will be your dressing.

Step 5

In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, black olives, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6

Add the sliced chicken to the salad bowl.

Step 7

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Step 8

Serve immediately and enjoy your Italian Chicken Salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1251.7 grams (1251.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1454

Total Fat 80.40g	103%
Saturated Fat 23.90g	119%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 356mg	119%
Sodium 4625mg	201%
Total Carbohydrate 49.10g	18%
Dietary Fiber 10.80g	39%
Total Sugars 22.20g
Protein 134.80g	270%

Vitamin D 16IU	78%
Calcium 857mg	66%
Iron 10mg	54%
Potassium 2321mg	49%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.6%

Protein: 37.0%

Carbs: 13.5%