Saguaro Chicken Salad
A fresh and vibrant chicken salad featuring grilled seasoned chicken atop a bed of arugula, bibb lettuce, and crisp vegetables. The smoky, tangy flavors from the Cilantro-Lime Grilling Sauce make it perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings, offering a delightful mix of textures and bold tastes.
Ingredients
- Cilantro-Lime Grilling Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/4 lb.) ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Mazola corn oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. prepared spicy brown mustard ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 bunch arugula ⓘ
- 1 head bibb lettuce ⓘ
- 6 large mushrooms ⓘ
- 6 large radishes ⓘ
- 1 red pepper ⓘ
- 1 cucumber ⓘ
- chopped fresh cilantro (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Grilling Sauce and coat the chicken breasts with it. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, until juices run clear.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Slice into strips.
- Arrange washed arugula and bibb lettuce on a serving platter.
- Top with sliced chicken, sliced mushrooms, radishes, red pepper strips, and cucumber slices.
- Drizzle additional dressing if desired and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Tips & Substitutions
For a zesty kick, consider adding jalapeños to the salad or using a different type of mustard for varied flavor. If arugula is unavailable, spinach or mixed greens can be great substitutes. Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor, and ensure the grill is preheated for optimal sear. This salad pairs beautifully with Chicken Fajitas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Saguaro Chicken Salad with a side of tortilla chips or a light quinoa dish for a complete meal. This salad is also delightful when topped with additional avocado slices or feta cheese. For a refreshing drink, pair it with iced tea or a light citrus soda.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating the greens, as they are best served fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saguaro Chicken Salad contains roughly 692 calories, with 33g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (715% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (124% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1611mg per serving (70% 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 grilled chicken leftovers for this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken leftovers work perfectly in this salad. Just slice them up and toss them with the fresh ingredients for a quick meal. This makes it a great option for using up leftover Chicken Senora or any grilled chicken you have on hand.
Is there a vegetarian option for this salad?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein. Additionally, using a variety of grilled vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant can add flavor and texture, making it a satisfying vegetarian dish.
What can I do if I don't have balsamic vinegar?
If balsamic vinegar is unavailable, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of honey for sweetness. This substitution will still provide a nice tang to the dressing while keeping the overall flavor profile balanced.
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).