Italian Chicken Salad
A vibrant Italian-inspired chicken salad featuring tender roasted chicken, fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and cheese, perfect for light lunches or summer dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken breast (1 lb.)
- 4 cups salad greens, bite size pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup cherry tomato halves
- 1 small red onion, sliced into rings ⓘ
- 1/2 cup small pitted ripe olives
- 6 radicchio or lettuce cups (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) can anchovies, drained (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast skin side up in an ungreased 9 x 9-inch baking pan and cover tightly.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until done, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the salad with Italian dressing.
- Toss the greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives together.
- Arrange the tossed salad in radicchio cups, if using.
- Top the salad with sliced chicken, cheese strips, and salami if desired.
- Garnish with drained anchovies, if using.
- Serve with breadsticks if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful chicken, marinate it in Italian dressing for a few hours before baking. If you don't have olives on hand, capers can be a great substitute. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. For a twist, add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch. This salad is versatile and can incorporate other Italian recipes you love.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Chicken Salad with crusty breadsticks for a delightful meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Cacciatore for a complete Italian-themed dinner. For a heartier option, consider adding a side of pasta salad or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh basil for an added burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat the chicken, use a microwave or an oven set at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Keep the salad ingredients separate from the chicken to maintain freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Chicken Salad contains roughly 138 calories, with 9g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 635mg per serving (28% 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 use a different type of cheese in this salad?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Monterey Jack are great choices, feel free to substitute with feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. You can also use a vegan cheese alternative if you're looking for a dairy-free option.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas. These ingredients provide extra protein and fiber, making the salad a complete meal. You can also include some avocado for creaminess.
Is there a way to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and salad ingredients separately a day in advance. Store the cooked chicken in the fridge and keep the salad components fresh in separate containers. Assemble just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.
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).