Bankers’ Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken Salad
A refreshing grilled chicken salad featuring bright citrus and fresh herbs, perfect for a light yet protein-packed meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, lemon juice, orange zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 12 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp orange zest, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz) to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 4: While chicken rests for 5 minutes, toss 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 thinly sliced cucumber in a large bowl.
- Step 5: Slice grilled chicken into strips and arrange over the salad greens. Drizzle any resting juices from chicken over the top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bankers’ Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken Salad take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bankers’ Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bankers’ Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bankers’ Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bankers’ Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken Salad?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.