Salads are an essential part of summer, offering a light and satisfying meal option that won’t weigh you down. Plus, salads are incredibly versatile, so whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or omnivore there’s a salad recipe for you! They can be customized with different dressings, nuts, seeds, cheeses, and proteins to create a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Additionally, salads are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy summer days when spending time in the kitchen is the last thing on your mind. With minimal cooking required, you can spend less time indoors and more time enjoying the sunshine and outdoor activities.
Furthermore, salads offer a healthful option that aligns perfectly with summer’s focus on wellness and outdoor living. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, salads provide a nutrient boost that helps keep you feeling energized and refreshed during the hottest months of the year. Their high water content also helps to keep you hydrated, which is important when the temperatures increase.
This recipe is a grilled chicken salad filled with feel-good ingredients that have multiple health benefits. Packed with dark leafy greens, crunchy veggies, sweet strawberries, and rich avocado, drizzled in delicious dressing, this salad will leave you feeling light and energized!
More Healthy Lunch Recipes
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
- Healthy Mini Pancakes
- Summer Smoothie Bowl
- Avocado & Egg English Muffins
- Healthy Breakfast Sandwich
- Carrot Cake Oats
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Let’s dive into the recipe!
Summer Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Spinach/Arugula mix
- Chicken
- Bell Peppers
- Feta
- Avocado
- Cucumbers
- Strawberries
- Southwest Ranch Dressing
Ingredient Substitutions
Spinach/Arugula- Spring mix
Chicken- Tofu, Chickpeas, Quinoa, Ground Turkey, Falafel
Strawberries- Blueberries, Apple, Watermelon
Cucumbers- Tomatoes
Feta- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, vegan cheese
Southwest Dressing- Balsamic dressing or dressing of choice
Summer Chicken Salad Ingredient Benefits
Spinach- A vegetable full of insoluble fiber. It contains vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, C, K, iron and calcium. It also contains plant compounds including quercetin and lutein and has a host of health benefits such as reducing cancer risk, oxidative stress and blood pressure.
Chicken- A low-fat meat that is a great protein source in a variety of recipes. It is full of B vitamins and contains phosphorus and selenium.
Bell Peppers- A low-calorie vegetable that adds a lot of flavor. They provide a good source of Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Red peppers are actually green peppers that were left on the vine longer and therefore have a better nutritional profile.
Feta- Feta contains vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide health benefits such as bone health, boosts immunity, and promotes gut health. It is also a great source of fatty acids.
Avocado- High in healthy fats, fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins C, K, E and B6. Avocados have been found to have positive links to reducing risk of heart disease and are beneficial for gut health and are high in anti-inflammatory compounds.
Cucumbers- Low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals providing vitamin k, vitamin c, and Potassium. It has >90% water content which can aid in hydration.
Strawberries- Provides a good source of fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. They are low-calorie and can be used in various dishes, beverages, and desserts.
Southwest Ranch- I use Marzetti Simply Southwest Ranch. I love this dressing because it is only 50 kcal and made with simple ingredients. Other great dressing options are homemade or Trader Joe’s!
Summer Chicken Salad
This Summer Chicken Salad is the perfect healthy lunch recipe! Packed with seasonal ingredients and bursting with color, this salad is the ideal way to embrace the sunny days ahead. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a light and satisfying meal, this summer chicken salad is a great option!
Ingredients
Instructions
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First, cook chicken if you haven’t already. Set oven to 375 degrees and cook chicken for 15-20 minutes. Season to your liking!
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Prep toppings: Dice cucumbers, strawberries, avocado, and peppers.
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Add ingredients to a large bowl and drizzle dressing on top.
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Serve & enjoy!
Note
- Even though this recipe is specific to summer time, it can be enjoyed all times of the year!
- This recipe is great if you already have pre-cooked chicken.
- Perfect for meal prepping!
- This can be made vegetarian; see ingredient substitutions above.
