Welcome, my dear friend! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s both fresh and fulfilling—a bowl of vibrant flavors that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken atop a bed of crisp, mixed greens, complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Trust me, you’re going to love this refreshing bowl that brings a burst of energy and satisfaction with every bite!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Salad Bowl
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments of pure delight. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch, packing a wholesome meal for work, or simply treating yourself to a light dinner, this salad bowl is versatile enough to suit every occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Ideal as a stand-alone meal or paired with a warm soup or crusty bread.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy on the wallet.
- Quick and Easy: A breeze to prepare, perfect for busy days without compromising flavor.
- Customizable: Tailor it to your taste with extra veggies, nuts, or your favorite dressing.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A hit for both a solo treat and a family meal, satisfying everyone’s cravings.
Ingredients in Chicken Salad Bowl
Here’s the magic of this salad bowl—it’s made with a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a delightful, nourishing meal. Let’s break it down:
Chicken
Juicy, grilled chicken breast that’s seasoned to perfection, adding a hearty protein boost to your salad.
Mixed Greens
A vibrant blend of spinach, arugula, and romaine that serves as the perfect, crisp base.
Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet and tangy bursts of flavor that bring a refreshing pop to every bite.
Cucumber
Cool, crisp slices that add a delightful crunch and hydrating freshness.
Avocado
Creamy and rich, avocado offers a velvety texture and healthy fats that elevate the dish.
Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onions deliver a subtle zing and a beautiful color contrast.
Feta Cheese
Crumbled feta lends a tangy, salty note that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
Olive Oil
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a silky finish and depth of flavor.
Lemon Juice
Bright, zesty lemon juice ties all the ingredients together with a refreshing citrus kick.
Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every component of your bowl.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful salad bowl:
Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with your favorite herbs, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear it until it’s cooked through and has a beautiful, caramelized exterior. Once done, let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry your mixed greens, then chop the cherry tomatoes in half, slice the cucumber into rounds, and thinly slice the red onion. Cube the avocado just before assembling to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, layer the mixed greens first. Top with the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top.
Drizzle the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad, ensuring each ingredient gets a touch of that zesty, rich flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Gently toss the salad to mix the flavors, and serve immediately. Enjoy this bowl of freshness as a nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and revitalizing.
Nutrition Facts
Note:
Servings: 2 bowls
Calories per serving: 420 calories
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Salad Bowl
This salad bowl pairs wonderfully with a warm slice of whole-grain bread or a side of your favorite soup. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a nutritious dinner, or even a power-packed meal prep option to keep you energized throughout the day.
Additional Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a handful of toasted nuts or seeds for crunch. You can also swap the feta for goat cheese or add a dash of your favorite herbs like basil or dill to personalize your salad. If you prefer a creamier dressing, mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt with the olive oil and lemon juice.
FAQ’s
- What type of chicken works best for this salad?
Grilled or pan-seared chicken breast is ideal for its lean protein and subtle flavor. - Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. - Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness. - Can I substitute the mixed greens?
Certainly! Any leafy greens like kale, spinach, or romaine will work beautifully. - How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Add the avocado just before serving, or toss it in a bit of lemon juice to keep it fresh. - Can I add extra veggies?
Of course! Feel free to include bell peppers, carrots, or even radishes for extra crunch and color. - What if I don’t like feta cheese?
You can substitute it with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even omit it for a lighter version. - How can I make the dressing creamier?
Mix in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a dash of honey to balance the acidity of the lemon. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be cautious if you serve it with bread. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the dressing right before serving.
CONCLUSION
The Chicken Salad Bowl isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of freshness and flavor that invites you to savor every bite. Its harmonious blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing makes it a perfect dish for any time of day. So, gather your ingredients, toss them together, and enjoy a bowl of goodness that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Enjoy every bite and the smile it brings to your table!
Print
Chicken Salad Bowl
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 1 large bowl (serves 2)
- Category: Salad / Bowl
- Method: No-cook / Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and healthy chicken salad bowl featuring tender grilled chicken, crisp mixed greens, and fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy honey mustard dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
### For the Salad:
– 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
– 1 grilled chicken breast (about 8 oz), sliced or diced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
– Optional: 2 tbsp toasted almonds or sunflower seeds
### For the Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the grilled chicken by seasoning with salt and pepper, then grill until cooked through. Allow it to rest before slicing or dicing.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, red onion, and avocado.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Top the salad with the sliced chicken and sprinkle toasted almonds or sunflower seeds, if desired.
6. Serve immediately, or chill for 10–15 minutes for a refreshing twist.
Notes
– Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or radishes.
– You can substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
– Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste—add extra lemon juice for more tang or honey for sweetness.
– For meal prep, store the dressing separately and add just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg