Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken

This Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken is a delightful blend of fresh greens, smoky grilled vegetables, and succulent herb-marinated chicken. Enhanced with a tangy homemade French-style dressing, this salad is a versatile and wholesome meal packed with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 cup button mushrooms, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Herb Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• Toasted nuts or seeds
• Dried fruits or coconut bacon

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. Grill the Vegetables:

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Set aside.

3. Grill the Chicken:

1. Remove marinated chicken from the fridge.
2. Grill the chicken breasts for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Slice into strips.

4. Prepare the Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, smoked paprika, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.

5. Assemble the Salad:

1. Arrange spinach leaves on a large serving plate.
2. Top with grilled vegetables and sliced chicken.
3. Drizzle with the French-style dressing.

6. Add Optional Toppings:

1. Customize with your choice of feta cheese, eggs, toasted nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 6 g

Enjoy this versatile and nutritious Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken as a complete meal or a side dish!

Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken: A Wholesome Delight

The Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that blends the vibrant flavors of fresh greens, smoky grilled vegetables, and tender herb-marinated chicken. This recipe is not just a feast for the palate but also a celebration of wholesome, nutrient-packed ingredients. Enhanced by a tangy homemade French-style dressing, it embodies the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, an impressive dinner, or a nutritious side dish, this salad has you covered.

A Symphony of Ingredients

At its heart, this salad is a showcase of simple yet sophisticated ingredients. Baby spinach serves as the vibrant base, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture. Spinach is also a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.

The grilled vegetables—red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and button mushrooms—introduce smoky, caramelized notes that elevate the dish to gourmet status. Each vegetable contributes its unique flavor and texture, from the crisp sweetness of bell peppers to the earthy savoriness of mushrooms.

The herb-marinated chicken is the star protein of the dish. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and fresh lemon juice, the chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with layers of aromatic flavor. The grilling process enhances its taste, giving it a slightly charred, smoky profile that complements the vegetables perfectly.

Finally, the French-style dressing ties everything together. Made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, this dressing is tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with depth. It’s the perfect finishing touch to the salad, adding a zesty brightness that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Versatility in Presentation and Pairings

One of the standout features of this salad is its versatility. It can be served as a light main course, a hearty side dish, or even a party centerpiece. The customizable toppings allow for endless creativity, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions.

For a touch of creaminess, crumbled feta cheese is a delightful addition, while hard-boiled eggs provide an extra protein boost. Toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds, bring crunch and nutty richness. If you prefer a hint of sweetness, dried fruits like cranberries or apricots work wonderfully. Coconut bacon or other plant-based toppings can transform the salad into a vegan-friendly dish.

Pairing this salad with a crusty piece of whole-grain bread or a bowl of soup creates a complete, satisfying meal. It also works beautifully alongside grilled fish, steak, or a simple pasta dish for a more elaborate spread.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. With fresh spinach as the base, it’s an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The grilled vegetables add antioxidants, while the herb chicken provides high-quality protein.

The homemade dressing, made with olive oil and red wine vinegar, offers healthy fats and beneficial compounds that support heart health. Compared to store-bought dressings laden with preservatives and added sugars, this French-style dressing is a wholesome, flavorful alternative.

For those watching their calorie intake, the salad is a balanced option, offering approximately 300 calories per serving. It’s low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and packed with fiber, making it ideal for weight management and energy sustenance.

Cooking Tips for Success

To make the most of this recipe, here are a few tips:

1. Marinate the Chicken Overnight: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight ensures maximum flavor penetration and tenderness.
2. Preheat the Grill Properly: Ensure the grill is hot before adding the vegetables and chicken. This creates a beautiful char and locks in the natural juices.
3. Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Slicing the vegetables into uniform sizes ensures even cooking and a visually appealing presentation.
4. Chill the Salad Before Serving: For a refreshing touch, chill the assembled salad (without the dressing) in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before serving. Add the dressing just before eating to maintain the crispness of the greens.

Culinary Flexibility for All Seasons

While this recipe is perfect for summer grilling, it’s easily adaptable for year-round enjoyment. In colder months, you can use a grill pan or roast the vegetables in the oven. Swap out the spinach for heartier greens like kale or arugula for a winter twist. Similarly, you can use seasonal vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or sweet potatoes to suit your preference or availability.

For those who enjoy meal prepping, this salad is a great option. The components can be prepared in advance and stored separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the salad and drizzle it with the dressing.

Conclusion

The Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent. From its vibrant colors and textures to its complex, harmonious flavors, this salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch, a healthy dinner, or a show-stopping addition to your dining table, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The addition of a homemade dressing elevates it further, offering a personalized touch that store-bought options simply can’t match.

Incorporating this salad into your menu is not just a culinary decision but a step toward a healthier lifestyle. Its balance of fresh greens, lean protein, and wholesome fats ensures that you’re nourishing your body without compromising on taste. Give this recipe a try, and let it inspire you to explore the endless possibilities of creative, healthful cooking.

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