This Grilled Chicken Breast with Salad and Creamy Herb Sauce recipe is a refreshing and light meal that perfectly balances juicy grilled chicken with a crisp salad, all topped off with a tangy and flavorful creamy herb sauce. It’s the ideal dish for anyone craving something healthy yet satisfying!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the salad:
4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
1 cucumber, sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
For the creamy herb sauce:
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken breasts.
Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
While the chicken grills, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
To make the creamy herb sauce, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
Serve the grilled chicken slices on top of the salad and drizzle with the creamy herb sauce.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few ideas:
Add more veggies: Toss in some avocado slices, bell peppers, or carrots to the salad for extra crunch and flavor.
Grilled vegetables: Pair the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a more filling meal.
Make it dairy-free: Swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise in the sauce for a dairy-free version using coconut yogurt and a plant-based mayo.
Spicy kick: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the creamy herb sauce for a spicy twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the grilled chicken separately from the salad and sauce. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The salad should be eaten fresh, but the creamy herb sauce will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. Avoid reheating the salad, as it will lose its crispness. For the best results, serve the chicken and salad fresh when possible.
FAQs
Can I grill the chicken on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, you can! Just preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I use a different sauce for this dish?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of creamy sauces, you can swap it for a balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon-based dressing.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just assemble the salad and grill the chicken when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with this recipe?
This dish is already pretty complete, but if you want something more substantial, consider serving it with roasted potatoes, quinoa, or a warm whole-grain bread.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The chicken and creamy herb sauce store well in the fridge and can be easily reheated. Just keep the salad separate to maintain its freshness.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken Breast with Salad & Creamy Herb Sauce is a perfect light and healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s quick, simple to prepare, and offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for both busy nights and meal prep. I love how versatile it is, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too!
Recipe:
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Grilled Chicken Breast with Salad & Creamy Herb Sauce
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- Author: Sophia
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A light and healthy meal combining tender grilled chicken with a crisp salad and a tangy creamy herb sauce.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
1 cucumber, sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken breasts.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
- While the chicken grills, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- To make the creamy herb sauce, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
- Serve the grilled chicken slices on top of the salad and drizzle with the creamy herb sauce.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, swap Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for coconut yogurt and plant-based mayo.
If you prefer a spicy twist, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the creamy herb sauce.
For added crunch, toss in avocado, bell peppers, or carrots to the salad.
Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers pair well with the chicken for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg