A Lemon Chicken Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish bursting with zesty citrus flavors, complemented by tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy almonds. This versatile recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or as a side dish for gatherings. Let’s explore how to make Lemon Chicken Salad in detail.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Lemon Chicken Salad, you’ll need the following fresh and flavorful ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and kale work well)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup slivered almonds (toasted for extra flavor)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Lemon Dressing:
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions to Make Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe
Prepare the Chicken
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with this mixture. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6–7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and slice: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
Make the Lemon Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens as the base.
Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, slivered almonds, and feta cheese if using.
Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips to Make Perfect Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe
Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest bring out the best flavor.
Toast the almonds: Lightly toasting almonds enhances their crunch and nuttiness, complementing the salad’s zesty notes.
Don’t skip the resting time for chicken: Resting the cooked chicken locks in juices, ensuring every bite is tender.
Prepare in advance: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the dressing a day ahead to save time.
What to Serve with Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe
Lemon Chicken Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions:
Sides: Serve with a warm slice of sourdough bread. Check out our recipe for Sourdough Grilled Cheese.
Soups: A bowl of light broth-based soup complements the freshness of the salad.
Drinks: Lemonade or iced tea enhances the citrus theme of the meal.
Variations of Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe
Lemon Almond Chicken Salad: For an extra nutty flavor, increase the quantity of almonds and incorporate them in multiple ways. Use slivered almonds as a topping, almond flour to coat the chicken before grilling, or even add a drizzle of almond butter to the dressing for a creamy texture. This variation enhances the crunch and gives the salad a unique twist.
Grilled Lemon Chicken Caesar Salad: Transform your Lemon Chicken Salad into a Caesar-inspired dish. Replace the mixed greens with crisp romaine lettuce, add homemade croutons, and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Use the lemon dressing as a zesty alternative to traditional Caesar dressing.
Fruit-Infused Lemon Chicken Salad: Incorporate seasonal fruits for a sweet and tangy twist. Add sliced strawberries, orange segments, or pomegranate seeds to balance the citrusy and savoryflavors. The juicy fruits not only enhance the taste but also make the salad visually appealing.
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Salad: Give your salad a Mediterranean flair by adding Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. Use fresh dill or oregano in the dressing for an herbaceous punch. Serve with warm pita bread or alongside hummus for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad: Turn the recipe into a hearty pasta salad by tossing cooked, chilled pasta like rotini or penne into the mix. Add extra vegetables such as roasted bell peppers and zucchini for additional texture and flavor. The lemon dressing coats the pasta beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or picnics.
Vegan Lemon “Chicken” Salad: Substitute the chicken with plant-based protein options like grilled tofu, tempeh, or seasoned chickpeas. You can also add nutritional yeast to the dressing for a cheesy undertone. This variation ensures vegans and vegetarians can enjoy the refreshing flavors of the dish.
Spicy Lemon Chicken Salad: For those who enjoy a kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the dressing. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños or drizzle the salad with a spicy sriracha mayo for an added zing.
Asian-Inspired Lemon Chicken Salad: Incorporate Asian flavors by adding shredded carrots, snap peas, and sesame seeds. Replace olive oil with sesame oil in the dressing and add a splash of soy sauce or rice vinegar. Top with crispy wonton strips for crunch.
Lemon Chicken Grain Bowl: Convert the salad into a nutritious grain bowl by adding cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice as a base. The grains soak up the lemon dressing beautifully, creating a filling and balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Herbed Lemon Chicken Salad: Add fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and mint to the salad for a vibrant and aromatic variation. Herbs elevate the flavor profile and complement the zesty dressing perfectly. This variation works particularly well during the summer months when fresh herbs are abundant.
FAQs While Making Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken from a previous meal works perfectly.
How long can I store the salad?
Store the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the dressing just before serving.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Absolutely! The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Substitutes
Chicken: Use turkey breast, shrimp, or a plant-based protein like tempeh.
Honey: Replace with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
Mixed Greens: Substitute with romaine lettuce or baby spinach.
Feta Cheese: Use goat cheese, blue cheese, or skip entirely for a dairy-free salad.
Nutrition of Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (serves 4):
Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 450mg
Vitamin C: 20% of the daily recommended intake
Enjoy the burst of citrusy flavors in this healthy, wholesome Lemon Chicken Salad. Pair it with complementary dishes like Queso Mac and Cheese for a complete meal or try incorporating elements from our GAPS Raisin Muffins Recipe for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
To create the perfect Lemon Chicken Salad, you’ll need the following fresh and flavorful ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
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For the Salad:
4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and kale work well)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup slivered almonds (toasted for extra flavor)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Lemon Dressing:
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Instructions to Make Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe
Prepare the Chicken
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with this mixture. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6–7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and slice: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens as the base.
Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, slivered almonds, and feta cheese if using.
Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Tips to Make Perfect Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe
Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest bring out the best flavor.
Toast the almonds: Lightly toasting almonds enhances their crunch and nuttiness, complementing the salad’s zesty notes.
Don’t skip the resting time for chicken: Resting the cooked chicken locks in juices, ensuring every bite is tender.
Prepare in advance: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the dressing a day ahead to save time.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Hi, I’m Sarah James! I love mixing classic recipes with fun, new ideas to create easy and tasty dishes. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, my recipes are made to be simple and delicious, so everyone can enjoy making great food at home.
