Description
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
Units
Scale
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
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Grill the Vegetables:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Set aside.
3. Grill the Chicken:
- Remove marinated chicken from the fridge.
- 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:
- 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:
- Arrange spinach leaves on a large serving plate.
- Top with grilled vegetables and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with the French-style dressing.
6. Add Optional Toppings:
- Customize with your choice of feta cheese, eggs, toasted nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.