Save This Grilled Bruschetta Chicken Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish featuring juicy grilled chicken, a zesty tomato-basil topping, and crisp mixed greens. It is the perfect choice for a light lunch or a summery dinner that brings the flavors of Italy to your table in just 35 minutes.
Save The combination of herbed chicken breasts and the aromatic tang of balsamic vinegar makes this salad feel far more indulgent than its healthy profile suggests.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Bruschetta Topping
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (about 4 medium tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Step 2
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3
- Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Step 4
- While the chicken grills, combine tomatoes, red onion, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 5
- Arrange salad greens on a large platter or individual plates. Lay sliced chicken over the greens.
- Step 6
- Spoon the bruschetta topping generously over the chicken. Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan, if using.
- Step 7
- Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the chicken remains juicy, always let it rest for the full 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat. Additionally, ensure your tomatoes are at room temperature for the most vibrant flavor in the bruschetta topping.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you have the time, marinating the chicken in the olive oil and herbs for up to 2 hours can significantly enhance the flavor. For a different cheesy finish, try substituting the shaved Parmesan with mozzarella pearls or crumbled feta cheese.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this salad with a side of lemon wedges to brighten the flavors just before eating. For a complete dining experience, pair this meal with a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Save This recipe yields 4 servings, each containing 320 calories, 17g of fat, 10g of carbohydrates, and 32g of protein, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for the grilled chicken. It will reduce the total preparation time to about 20 minutes since you won't need to cook the chicken.
- → How long does the bruschetta topping last?
The tomato-basil mixture is best enjoyed fresh within 2-3 hours of preparation. After that, the tomatoes can become watery and the basil may start to wilt. If you need to prep ahead, combine all ingredients except the basil and oil, then add those just before serving.
- → What other cheeses work well with this dish?
Beyond Parmesan, fresh mozzarella pearls, crumbled feta, or shaved ricotta salata all complement the flavors beautifully. Each cheese brings a slightly different texture and salt level to balance the sweet tomatoes.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—simply omit the Parmesan cheese. The bruschetta topping provides plenty of flavor from the tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, so you won't miss the cheese.
- → What's the best way to grill the chicken?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Oil the grates and cook the seasoned chicken for 6-7 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.
- → Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes?
Yes, halved cherry or grape tomatoes work wonderfully and add a nice burst of sweetness. They may release less liquid than larger diced tomatoes, resulting in a slightly chunkier bruschetta topping.