Citrus-Glazed Chicken Salad with Arugula
A vibrant salad featuring tender chicken glazed in lemon and honey, tossed with peppery arugula and crisp vegetables for a refreshing meal. This american-inspired salads ready in about 32 minutes pairs pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoon fresh lemon juice into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup arugula
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup cucumber
- 1 tablespoon red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 2: Whisk together 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon olive oil for the dressing.
- Step 3: While chicken rests for 5 minutes, dice cucumber into 1/4-inch pieces and finely chop red onion. Combine diced cucumber, 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup arugula, and 1 tablespoon red onion in a bowl.
- Step 4: Slice rested chicken and toss with the vegetable mixture, drizzling with the dressing and tossing gently until evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Glazed Chicken Salad with Arugula take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Citrus-Glazed Chicken Salad with Arugula?
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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Glazed Chicken Salad with Arugula?
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 Citrus-Glazed Chicken Salad with Arugula 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 Citrus-Glazed Chicken Salad with Arugula?
American salads 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
