Summer means fresh food and easy meals! I love firing up the grill for dinner, especially when it results in a light and satisfying salad. If you’re looking for simple, delicious grilled chicken salad recipes, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite chicken salad ideas that are perfect for warm weather lunches or dinners. They both use tender grilled chicken and fresh ingredients for big flavor without a lot of fuss. I think you’ll really enjoy these!
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Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad Recipe
This simple grilled chicken caprese salad is a light and fresh meal, perfect for a sunny day. It brings together classic Italian flavors with tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Caprese Chicken Salad
- Chicken Prep: For fast and even cooking, I like to use thin chicken cutlets or pound chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them grill quickly without drying out.
- Mozzarella Choice: Use small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) for easy mixing, or slice a larger fresh mozzarella ball into bite-sized pieces. The creamy texture is key here.
- Fresh Basil: Don’t skip the fresh basil! It gives this salad its signature flavor. A chiffonade (thin ribbons) looks nice, but simply tearing the leaves works perfectly.
What You Need for Grilled Caprese Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thin cutlets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for dressing)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed greens or spinach
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, small balls or diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
⏱️ Time: 25 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 Servings
How to Make Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad
Step 1: Prepare and Grill the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise or pound them thin. Rub the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and has nice grill marks. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.
Step 2: Assemble Your Caprese Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Add the sliced grilled chicken to the bowl.
Step 3: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the salad generously with balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar. Scatter the fresh basil leaves over everything. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve your grilled chicken caprese salad right away and enjoy the fresh flavors.
📝 Final Note
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a little Italian dressing for 15-20 minutes before grilling. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best fresh.
Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad Recipe
This grilled peach chicken salad is a fantastic way to enjoy summer’s best fruit in a meal. The sweetness of grilled peaches pairs beautifully with tender chicken and crisp greens for a light and fulfilling dish.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
- Choosing Peaches: Select peaches that are ripe but still firm. This way, they hold their shape well on the grill and get nice caramelization without becoming mushy.
- Simple Dressing: A light vinaigrette really lets the grilled flavors shine. I often use a mix of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a touch of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add Some Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely texture contrast. A sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese also makes this salad extra special.
What You Need for Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for peaches and dressing)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
- 4 cups mixed greens or arugula
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
⏱️ Time: 30 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 Servings
How to Make Easy Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prep Chicken and Peaches for Grilling
Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season well with salt and pepper. Brush the cut sides of the halved peaches with a little olive oil. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Grill Chicken and Peaches
Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). At the same time, place the peach halves, cut-side down, on the grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until soft and caramelized with grill marks. Remove both the chicken and peaches from the grill and let them rest. Slice the chicken into strips and the peaches into wedges.
Step 3: Make the Dressing and Assemble
In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper for the dressing. In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced red onion, sliced grilled chicken, and grilled peach wedges. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Add toasted pecans or walnuts if you like. Gently toss everything together and serve your fresh grilled peach chicken salad.
📝 Final Note
This salad is also wonderful with a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese for added creaminess and tang. If you don’t have fresh peaches, grilled nectarines work just as well!