Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the kitchen island after a busy day, is there? And on those bustling weeknights when time feels like a fleeting whisper, an Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad comes to the rescue, promising a burst of fresh flavors without the fuss. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibrant symphony of tender grilled chicken, juicy tomatoes, and crisp greens, all dancing together in a light, zesty dressing that feels like a hug from summer itself.
I remember my grandmother, bless her heart, always saying that the simplest ingredients often hold the most magic. She’d whip up a beautiful garden salad with whatever fresh produce we had, making even the quickest meals feel special. This recipe echoes those cherished moments, transforming wholesome staples into something truly delightful that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
This beautiful salad is not only incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for those unpredictable evenings, but it also brings a vibrant, healthful meal to your family without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. My best advice for any weeknight wonder? Always have your mise en place ready; it makes everything so much smoother!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful salad means bringing together simple, wholesome ingredients. We’re talking about succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated to perfection, mingling with sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and fresh basil, all tied together with a bright, homemade vinaigrette. This Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad truly shines with quality produce, so choose wisely! You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements ready for you in the recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad
Whipping up this wonderful meal is a breeze, truly! We’ll start by letting our chicken soak up a zesty marinade, then quickly whisk together a vibrant vinaigrette. Next, it’s off to the grill for that perfectly tender, smoky chicken, before finally bringing everything together in a big, beautiful bowl. Each step of this Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad is designed for simplicity and maximum flavor, making your weeknight cooking a joy, not a chore.
Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes (or longer if time allows, up to 2 hours).
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until well emulsified. Set aside.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into strips or cubes.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken to the salad bowl.
- Drizzle the prepared lemon herb vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and freshness.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad
Making any recipe your own, and ensuring it turns out perfectly every time, is part of the fun! Here are some of my favorite tips for this delightful Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad.
My Secret Trick: I always make a double batch of the vinaigrette and keep it in a jar in the fridge. It’s fantastic on other salads throughout the week and makes assembling this one even faster! Just remember to give it a good shake before drizzling.
When grilling the chicken, don’t overcrowd your grill. Giving each piece enough space allows for even cooking and those lovely grill marks we all adore. I always preheat my grill well, so the chicken gets a good sear and cooks through beautifully in about 6-8 minutes per side.
For the freshest flavor, make sure your mixed greens are thoroughly dry after washing. Excess water can dilute the dressing, and we want every drop of that zesty goodness to cling to our ingredients. A salad spinner is a true friend in the kitchen for this!
Don’t be shy with the fresh basil! Tearing it rather than chopping it just before serving helps release its aromatic oils and adds such a wonderful, bright finish to the Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad. It’s those little touches that truly elevate a simple meal.
Fun Variations for Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad
One of the things I adore most about home cooking is the freedom to play and adapt! This Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad is wonderfully versatile, and I encourage you to get creative.
Seasonal Swaps
My friend, Clara, loves to add whatever fresh vegetables are in season. In late summer, she’ll toss in some sweet corn kernels cut straight from the cob, or even thinly sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and color. It’s a fantastic way to keep your Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad fresh and exciting all year long.
Cheese, Please!
A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a delightful creamy, tangy element that I absolutely adore. My sister always asks me to add a little parmesan shaving too, which brings a lovely salty bite that complements the grilled chicken beautifully.
Grains for Heartiness
If you’re looking to make this salad a little heartier, especially for lunch meal prep, consider adding a handful of cooked quinoa or couscous to the mix. It turns the Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad into an even more substantial and satisfying meal.
What to Serve With Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad
While this vibrant salad is a complete meal on its own, sometimes it’s lovely to offer a little something extra to complement its fresh flavors. I often find myself looking for quick additions that don’t steal the show but simply enhance the experience.
For a comforting touch, a basket of warm, crusty bread is always a winner. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing, and my mom always says it makes any meal feel more complete.
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a simple side of roasted asparagus or green beans tossed with a little lemon zest and garlic would be absolutely divine. The crisp-tender texture and bright flavors would beautifully echo the goodness in our Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad.
And for those who, like me, appreciate a simple indulgence, a light, refreshing fruit sorbet for dessert would be a lovely finish. It keeps the meal light and bright, leaving everyone feeling perfectly satisfied.
How to Store Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad
Keeping your leftovers fresh and delicious is key to enjoying them another day. When it comes to the Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad, a little planning goes a long way.
To store any leftover salad, it’s best to keep the grilled chicken and the dressed greens separate. Store the grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
The dressed mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber can be stored in a separate airtight container for about 1-2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their crispness.
My personal tip for longer freshness? If you know you’ll have leftovers, only dress the portion of the salad you plan to eat immediately. Store the undressed components separately, and then assemble and dress individual servings as needed. This ensures every bite of your Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad is as fresh and vibrant as the first!
Nutritional Benefits
This vibrant Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad is a wonderful way to enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Packed with lean protein from the chicken, it supports muscle health, while the abundance of fresh vegetables like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber offers a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for overall well-being. It’s a delightful treat that perfectly marries indulgence with simple, wholesome ingredients, just as I love to do!
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen beautifully, making your Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad even more delicious.
Faq 2
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can easily cook the chicken in a grill pan on your stovetop or bake it in the oven until cooked through. The flavors of this Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad will still be fantastic!
Faq 3
Can I use a different type of greens?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite! Arugula, spinach, or even a blend of butter lettuce and romaine would work wonderfully in this Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad, adding their unique textures and flavors.
Faq 4
How can I make the salad spicier?
For a touch of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or a dash of hot sauce to the vinaigrette. It’s an easy way to customize your Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad to your liking!
Conclusion
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something truly delicious, especially on a busy weeknight. This Easy Weeknight Grilled Chicken Tomato Salad is a testament to that magic, offering a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s a breeze to prepare. It’s a dish that not only nourishes the body but also brings a touch of joyful, home-cooked goodness to your table, creating those cherished memories around good food. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the ease, and delight in every fresh, vibrant bite!