Description
A composed salad featuring charred, glaze-kissed chicken balanced with cool greens and a tangy, creamy dressing for a sophisticated yet approachable dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine), washed and spun dry
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup roasted corn (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced just before serving
- 3 tbsp smoky BBQ sauce (thick-style)
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), grilled and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta
- 2 tbsp toasted pepitas or crispy tortilla strips
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate and glaze the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry, brushing both sides with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Let rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until grill marks form and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush with another tablespoon of BBQ sauce in the last minute for a caramelized glaze.
- Make the dressing by whisking the remaining 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce with Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Prepare the salad base by combining mixed greens, roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl. Toss lightly with half of the dressing.
- Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain. Arrange dressed greens on plates, fan the warm chicken over the top, add avocado slices, sprinkle cotija and pepitas, and drizzle with remaining dressing and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.
Notes
Store components separately. Dressing lasts up to 3 days in a jar, shake before using. For best texture, assemble just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg