Mint and Lemon Chicken Salad
A bright, herbaceous chicken salad featuring tender chicken breast, fresh mint, and a lemony dressing for a light lunch. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken breast, fresh mint, lemon 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 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups mixed greens
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 2: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Step 3: Finely chop 1/4 cup fresh mint. Zest 1 lemon and squeeze half the juice. Whisk lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard in a bowl until smooth.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, 1/4 cup fresh mint, and 4 cups mixed greens. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat. Serve chilled.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mint and Lemon Chicken Salad take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Mint and Lemon 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 fresh mint from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mint and Lemon 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 Mint and Lemon 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 Mint and Lemon 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh flavors. My kids asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
This salad was a hit at my summer BBQ! The mint and lemon combo is perfect.
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