Perfectly Balanced Lemon Chicken Salad

Lemon chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as part of a light lunch or served alongside your favorite side dishes to make a hearty meal. This refreshing and zesty recipe brings together the flavors of lemon, herbs, and fresh vegetables for a healthy yet satisfying option.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup mixed salad greens such as romaine lettuce, arugula, or spinach
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them in a baking dish or pan lined with parchment paper.

Bake the chicken for approximately 30 minutes at 400°F (205°C) until it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To check if your chicken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. Once done, remove from oven and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the salad greens by washing them thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley leaves, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Once your chicken has cooled down sufficiently, slice it into bite-sized pieces and add these to your salad mixture. Add the crumbled feta cheese if you prefer to have some extra creaminess in your dish.

Cooking Time

• Baking time for chicken: 30 minutes at 400°F (205°C)
• Preparation of salad components and dressing: approximately 15 minutes
• Total preparation time including resting period for the chicken: around 35-40 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves four people nicely.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Approximately 378 calories per serving
• About 15g protein
• Around 16.7g fat, including 9g saturated fats
• Carbohydrates: ~30g (This includes both the vegetables and the feta cheese)
• Fiber content: ~8g

Tips for Success

To ensure the chicken remains juicy, avoid overcooking it. If you want to add some extra flavor or spice to your salad, consider adding other herbs like mint or cilantro.

1. For a heartier meal, serve this alongside grilled bread or rice pilaf.
2. If you prefer a less acidic taste in your dish, use half the amount of lemon zest and juice.
3. Feel free to substitute feta cheese with blue cheese for a different flavor profile if desired.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers make a great packed lunch or snack later on.

To serve it, simply arrange all ingredients onto individual plates and garnish with additional parsley leaves if desired. Bon appétit!