Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens
Tender grilled chicken breast marinated in fresh herbs, served atop crisp mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh thyme 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 320 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
- 2 boneless skinless, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, sliced cucumber
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, toss 4 cups mixed salad greens with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1 sliced medium cucumber in a large bowl.
- Step 4: Whisk together 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tsp honey, then drizzle over the salad.
- Step 5: Slice the grilled chicken and arrange on top of the salad. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens?
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 Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens?
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 Herb-Marinated Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens?
Mediterranean 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.
