This Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken is a versatile, flavorful, and nutrient-packed meal. Fresh spinach, smoky grilled vegetables, and herb-marinated chicken are complemented by a tangy homemade French-style dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a nutritious dinner, or an impressive side dish.
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
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add chicken breasts, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Grill the Vegetables:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Set aside.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Remove marinated chicken from the fridge.
- Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Slice into strips.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, smoked paprika, tomato paste, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange spinach leaves on a large serving plate.
- Top with grilled vegetables and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with the dressing.
- Add Optional Toppings:
- Customize with feta cheese, eggs, nuts, seeds, or dried fruits as desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 6 g
This vibrant salad is as delightful to the palate as it is to the eyes, delivering a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition. Enjoy!
Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken: A Perfect Blend of Flavor and Nutrition
When it comes to crafting a meal that is both nourishing and satisfying, the Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken ticks all the boxes. This vibrant, protein-packed dish combines fresh greens, smoky grilled vegetables, tender herb-marinated chicken, and a tangy French-inspired dressing for a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a wholesome dinner, or an impressive side dish for a gathering, this salad is versatile, adaptable, and guaranteed to please.
Why Spinach? A Nutritional Powerhouse
Spinach serves as the foundation of this salad, bringing with it a host of nutritional benefits. This leafy green is rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, making it an excellent choice for boosting energy and supporting bone health. Additionally, spinach is high in antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to eye health and combat inflammation. Its mild flavor and tender texture provide the perfect backdrop for the bold flavors of the grilled vegetables, chicken, and dressing.
The Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, Sweet, and Irresistible
Grilled vegetables are a highlight of this dish, adding depth and a touch of smokiness. The red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms not only contribute vibrant colors but also bring a natural sweetness and umami flavor that complements the other ingredients. Grilling these vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their taste and texture. Moreover, they are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber, making this salad as nutritious as it is delicious.
Herb Chicken: Tender, Juicy, and Flavorful
The herb-marinated chicken in this salad takes it from a simple side dish to a protein-packed meal. By marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of spices like smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder, the meat becomes tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Grilling the chicken not only locks in the marinade’s vibrant flavors but also imparts a subtle charred taste that pairs wonderfully with the fresh greens and tangy dressing.
Homemade Dressing: The Perfect Finishing Touch
No salad is complete without a great dressing, and this French-style vinaigrette is no exception. Made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, it strikes a perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and savory. The dressing enhances the salad without overpowering its individual components, allowing the natural flavors of the spinach, grilled veggies, and chicken to shine through. Best of all, it’s easy to whisk together, making it a convenient yet sophisticated addition.
Customization and Versatility
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. While the core ingredients create a satisfying dish on their own, you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to elevate the salad:
- Add Protein: Hard-boiled eggs, grilled tofu, or chickpeas can be excellent protein-rich additions for a vegetarian or vegan option.
- Incorporate Crunch: Toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds add texture and additional nutrients.
- Sweeten It Up: A handful of dried fruits like cranberries or raisins introduces a pop of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Indulge with Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds creaminess and a tangy bite that complements the grilled veggies and chicken.
Health Benefits in Every Bite
This salad isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s also a boon for your health. With around 300 calories per serving, it provides a balanced profile of macronutrients, making it a great option for weight management and overall well-being. The high protein content supports muscle repair and maintenance, while the healthy fats from olive oil promote heart health. The salad’s fiber-rich components aid digestion and provide lasting satiety, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Presentation: A Feast for the Eyes
As the saying goes, we eat with our eyes first, and this salad is a visual masterpiece. The bright green spinach forms a vibrant base, accented by the warm tones of grilled vegetables and the golden-brown herb chicken. Adding optional toppings like crumbled feta, sliced eggs, or colorful dried fruits not only enhances the flavor but also elevates the visual appeal, making it an ideal dish for entertaining.
Conclusion
The Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Its versatility allows you to tailor it to your preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a light and refreshing meal, a hearty dinner, or an impressive dish to share with guests, this salad delivers on all fronts. With its nutrient-dense ingredients, robust flavors, and eye-catching presentation, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again. So fire up the grill, gather your fresh produce, and treat yourself to this delightful salad—it’s a feast for both the palate and the soul.
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Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken
Description
This Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies and Herb Chicken is a versatile, flavorful, and nutrient-packed meal. Fresh spinach, smoky grilled vegetables, and herb-marinated chicken are complemented by a tangy homemade French-style dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a nutritious dinner, or an impressive side dish.
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
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add chicken breasts, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Grill the Vegetables:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Set aside.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Remove marinated chicken from the fridge.
- Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Slice into strips.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, smoked paprika, tomato paste, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange spinach leaves on a large serving plate.
- Top with grilled vegetables and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with the dressing.
- Add Optional Toppings:
- Customize with feta cheese, eggs, nuts, seeds, or dried fruits as desired.