Simple Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe
This grilled ranch chicken salad is so delicious. It includes a simple grilled chicken marinade recipe that makes a delicious basic chicken salad recipe and a delicious pesto ranch dressing everyone will love.
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 703kcal
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken Marinade
- 2¼ pounds chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 0.7-ounce package Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
Pesto Ranch Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1-ounce packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup pesto
Ingredients for Chicken Salad
- 2 heads romaine lettuce cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese cut into 1/2" chunks
- 1 large avocado cut into 3/4" chunks
Instructions
- Remove chicken from packaging and place into a large freezer bag. Use a rolling pin, mason jar, or the flat side of a meat tenderizer to pound the thickest part of the chicken breast until it is all an even 3/4" thickness.
- Open the freezer bag and add the avocado oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning mix. Seal the bag and roll gently to mix all the ingredients together.
- Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
Grilling the Marinated Chicken
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Remove chicken breasts from the marinade and place onto the hot grill over approximately 350 degree heat. Cook until golden brown, or about 6-7 minutes. Use tongs to flip the breasts over and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Remove chicken from the grill and place it on a platter with foil over it for about 5 minutes.
Assembling the Grilled Chicken Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the mayo, buttermilk, Ranch dressing mix, and pesto. Mix well and then set aside. In a separate large serving bowl, add the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, Pepper Jack cheese, and diced avocado. Slice the chicken and arrange it over the top.
- Drizzle with the prepared Pesto Ranch Dressing and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Storing instructions: store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Chicken can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 703kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 721mg | Potassium: 940mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1647IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 2mg