Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright citrus and herb-marinated grilled chicken atop a bed of fresh greens creates a stimulating and vitalizing salad perfect for a light meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the citrus and herbs to infuse.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a 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 the exterior is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly. Arrange 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 sliced cucumber, and 1/4 thinly sliced red onion on plates.
  5. Step 5: Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken and drizzle with any leftover marinade if desired for an invigorating and vitalizing meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Salad?

Mediterranean 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.

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