Grilled Chicken Salad
A vibrant grilled chicken salad featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dill dressing, perfect for a light, flavorful, and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 lb. macaroni (corkscrew pasta) ⓘ
- 1 medium sweet red pepper ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced fresh dill ⓘ
- 5 tsp. dill weed ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2/3 c. olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Grill chicken over medium coals for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, or until tender.
- Remove chicken from grill and place in a single layer on a platter; sprinkle with lemon juice and set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta, chopped red pepper, sliced celery, chopped red onion, and dill.
- Remove chicken from platter; pour juices into a bowl.
- Slice chicken crosswise into thin strips and add to the pasta mixture.
- To the juices, add vinegar, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper; whisk well.
- Add oil very slowly in a stream until dressing is thickened.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve in a lettuce-lined bowl or on individual lettuce-lined plates.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon juice and some olive oil for at least 30 minutes before grilling. If you don't have dill, fresh parsley or basil can be used as substitutes. To make this dish lighter, consider using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. For a gluten-free option, substitute the macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This grilled chicken salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside a bowl of soup, like Easy Chicken Stew With Scallion Dumplings, for a heartier meal. Garnish with extra dill or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a microwave or on a skillet, but avoid reheating the pasta salad too much to maintain its texture. Serve it cold or at room temperature for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Chicken Salad contains roughly 502 calories, with 29g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (150% of the Daily Value), and potassium (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1813mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad and dressing ahead of time. Just store everything separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving to keep the pasta from becoming soggy. Grilled chicken can also be cooked a day in advance and sliced for convenience.
What can I add to this salad for extra crunch?
To add extra crunch, consider incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or adding crispy bacon bits. You could also toss in some diced cucumbers or shredded carrots for added texture and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Is it possible to use a different protein?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile, and you can substitute the grilled chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for different proteins, ensuring they are cooked thoroughly and safely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).