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
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:
- 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.