Grilled Chicken Salad with Tangy Citrus Dressing

Orange County is synonymous with sunny beaches and a vibrant food scene, and this salad captures the essence of the region’s laid-back coastal lifestyle. Tender grilled chicken breast, paired with a medley of crisp greens and colorful vegetables, is drizzled with a tangy citrus dressing that brings a burst of flavor to every bite. Get ready to savor the taste of California’s sunshine in this delightful and simple-to-make salad. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for this invigorating Orange County-inspired recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
• 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For the Tangy Citrus Dressing:

• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, sliced almonds, and chopped cilantro. Toss to mix well.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. Drizzle the tangy citrus dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
7. Arrange the grilled chicken slices on top of the salad.
8. Serve the Grilled Chicken Salad with Tangy Citrus Dressing as a refreshing and satisfying meal, perfect for enjoying the California sunshine flavors of Orange County!