This delightful Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is a symphony of flavors and textures in each bite. The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture, then seared to perfection before being placed atop a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese. A final drizzle of extra marinade, acting as a dressing, ties everything together in a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Most ingredients for this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad should be readily available in your pantry or your local supermarket. However, be aware of the fresh herbs required for the marinade; fresh parsley and dried thyme and rosemary. If you can't find fresh parsley, dried version can be used instead. You may also need to look for feta cheese in the dairy or deli section.
Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Ingredients
olive oil: Used for the marinade and dressing as well as for searing the chicken. It adds a rich and smooth taste.
fresh lemon juice: Provides the citrusy tang to the marinade and dressing.
parsley: Adds a fresh, earthy flavor to the marinade.
garlic: Adds a pungent flavor to the marinade. Fresh cloves are preferred over bottled ones.
chicken thigh fillets: The main protein in this salad. Thigh fillets are juicy and flavorful.
romaine lettuce leaves: Forms the base of the salad. It's crunchy and slightly sweet.
avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats to the salad.
feta cheese: A tangy and slightly salty cheese that adds a nice contrast of flavor.
grape tomatoes: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to the salad.
red onion: Gives a sharp, slightly spicy flavor which balances the richness of the other ingredients.
diced bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture.
lemon wedges: For squeezing additional fresh lemon juice over the salad if desired.
One reader, Kasper Mendenhall says:
This lemon herb chicken salad recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so fresh and vibrant. The marinade gives the chicken a zesty kick, and the combination of ingredients in the salad is simply divine. It's a perfect dish for a light and satisfying meal. Highly recommend trying it out!
Cooking Techniques for Lemon Herb Chicken Salad
Marinade and dressing preparation: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, water, parsley, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large jug to create the marinade and dressing.
Marinating the chicken: Place the chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Salad preparation: Prepare the romaine lettuce, avocado, feta cheese, grape tomatoes, red onion, and diced bacon and mix them in a large salad bowl.
Cooking the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or grill, then sear the marinated chicken on both sides until browned and completely cooked through.
Assembling the salad: Arrange the sliced chicken over the prepared salad and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
Serving the salad: Serve the lemon herb chicken salad with lemon wedges.
How To Make Lemon Herb Chicken Salad
Crispy bacon bits and creamy avocado and feta cheese tossed in fresh lemon herb dressing, this chicken salad recipe is a refreshing and filling.
Serves:
Ingredients
For The Marinade and Dressing:
- 2tbspolive oil
- ¼cupFresh Lemon Juice
- 2tbspwater
- 2tbspparsleyfresh chopped
- 2tspgarlicminced
- 1tspdried thyme
- 1tspdried rosemary
- 1tspsalt
- ¼tsppeppercracked, to taste
- 1lbchicken thigh fillets(or chicken breasts), skinless & boneless
For The Salad:
- 4cupsromaine lettuce leaves(washed and dried)
- 1largeavocadopitted, peeled, and sliced
- 8ozfeta cheese
- 1cupgrape tomatoeshalved
- ¼red onion(optional) sliced
- ¼cupdiced bacontrimmed of rind and fat
- Lemon wedgesto serve
Instructions
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Whisk together all of the marinade and dressing ingredients in a large jug. Pour out half of the marinade into a large, shallow dish. Refrigerate the remaining marinade to use as the dressing later.
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Add the chicken to the marinade in the bowl. Marinate the chicken for 15 to 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. While waiting for the chicken, prepare all of the salad ingredients and mix in a large salad bowl.
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Once chicken is ready, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides for about 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until browned and completely cooked through.
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Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Slice and arrange over salad. Drizzle salad with the remaining dressing. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
- Calories: 619.20kcal
- Fat: 50.05g
- Saturated Fat: 16.89g
- Trans Fat: 0.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 22.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.71g
- Carbohydrates: 14.78g
- Fiber: 6.45g
- Sugar: 5.44g
- Protein: 30.32g
- Cholesterol: 166.25mg
- Sodium: 881.26mg
- Calcium: 334.71mg
- Potassium: 865.22mg
- Iron: 2.75mg
- Vitamin A: 334.49µg
- Vitamin C: 27.62mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting This Chicken Salad Recipe
When marinating the chicken, ensure that all pieces are fully submerged in the marinade for even flavor distribution. If the marinade doesn't cover the chicken completely, you can occasionally turn the chicken in the marinade to make sure every part gets well-seasoned. Also, don't over-marinate as it can make the chicken texture mushy. The ideal marinating time for chicken is usually between 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Marinate efficiently: Combine the marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag and add the chicken. This method ensures that the chicken is evenly coated and saves time on cleaning up.
Prep in advance: Chop and prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, when it's time to assemble the salad, everything is ready to go.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Opt for pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits to save time on cooking and cleanup. Simply sprinkle them over the salad for added flavor and texture.
Multi-task: While the chicken is marinating, use that time to prepare the salad ingredients or attend to other kitchen tasks to maximize efficiency.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Recipe
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olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in marinades and dressings.
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lemon juice – Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice and can be used in dressings and marinades to add brightness to the dish.
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parsley – Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to parsley and can be used to add a vibrant touch to the dish.
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garlic – Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor similar to garlic and can be used to add depth to the marinade and dressing.
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thyme – Substitute with oregano: Oregano offers a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor to thyme, making it a suitable substitute in the marinade and dressing.
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rosemary – Substitute with savory: Savory provides a similar piney and slightly peppery flavor to rosemary and can be used to add a herbaceous touch to the dish.
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chicken thigh fillets – Substitute with turkey thigh fillets: Turkey thigh fillets offer a similar juicy and flavorful meat option, making them a suitable substitute for chicken in the salad recipe.
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romaine lettuce leaves – Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach provides a similar crisp texture and mild flavor to romaine lettuce, making it a versatile substitute in the salad.
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avocado – Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber offers a refreshing and crunchy texture similar to avocado and can be used to add a fresh element to the salad.
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feta cheese – Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese provides a tangy and creamy flavor similar to feta and can be used to add a rich and savory element to the salad.
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grape tomatoes – Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes offer a similar sweet and juicy flavor to grape tomatoes, making them a suitable substitute in the salad recipe.
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red onion – Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweet flavor similar to red onion and can be used to add a subtle onion flavor to the salad.
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diced bacon – Substitute with smoked turkey bacon: Smoked turkey bacon offers a similar smoky and savory flavor to diced bacon, making it a suitable substitute in the salad recipe.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Herb Chicken Salad
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Elevate the plating: Arrange the romaine lettuce leaves in a circular motion, creating a bed for the chicken. Place the sliced avocado and grape tomatoes in an alternating pattern around the lettuce. Crumble the feta cheese over the salad for an elegant touch.
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Incorporate color contrast: Utilize the vibrant colors of the grape tomatoes and avocado against the green romaine lettuce to create a visually appealing dish. The red onion and bacon add a pop of color and depth to the presentation.
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Focus on precision: Ensure that the chicken slices are arranged neatly on top of the salad, creating an eye-catching focal point. The precision in arranging the ingredients showcases attention to detail.
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Garnish with finesse: Place the lemon wedges strategically around the plate, adding a touch of brightness and a pop of color to the dish. The lemon wedges also serve as a functional garnish, allowing diners to add a citrusy zing to their salad.
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Balance the composition: Pay attention to the overall balance of the dish, ensuring that each component complements the others. The careful arrangement of ingredients creates a harmonious and visually appealing presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
- Mixing bowls: Various sizes for mixing ingredients and marinating the chicken.
- Whisk: Used for blending and emulsifying the marinade and dressing.
- Large shallow dish: For marinating the chicken.
- Skillet or grill: For searing and cooking the chicken.
- Salad bowl: A large bowl for mixing and serving the salad.
- Tongs: For flipping and handling the chicken while cooking.
- Serving platter: To arrange and serve the salad and chicken.
- Citrus juicer: Optional for juicing the lemon for the dressing.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Lemon Herb Chicken Salad
- To store the lemon herb chicken salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
- If you want to keep the salad fresh and crisp, store the chicken, bacon, and dressing separately from the lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, and onion. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- To freeze the bacon, cook it until crispy, then drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- The dressing can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good shake or whisk before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen chicken or bacon, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, and crisp up the bacon in a pan or oven if desired.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Salad
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The best way to reheat leftover lemon herb chicken salad is to separate the chicken from the salad greens. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method ensures that the chicken stays moist and doesn't dry out.
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Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little bit of olive oil or butter to the pan and heat the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through. This method will give the chicken a slightly crispy exterior.
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If you want to reheat the entire salad, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 30-60 seconds, or until it's just warm. Be careful not to overheat the salad, as this can cause the lettuce to wilt and the avocado to become mushy.
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Another option is to reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat the chicken for 5-10 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method works well if you have a large amount of chicken to reheat.
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If you're in a hurry, you can also eat the leftover salad cold. The flavors will have had time to meld together, and the feta cheese and bacon will be even more delicious when chilled.
Interesting Trivia About Lemon Herb Chicken Salad
The lemon herb chicken salad recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the zesty flavors of lemon and herbs with tender chicken and fresh salad ingredients. It's a perfect meal for a light lunch or dinner, and the marinade and dressing add a burst of flavor to the dish. This recipe is a great way to incorporate fresh and nutritious ingredients into your diet while enjoying a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Budget-Friendly: Making Lemon Herb Chicken Salad at Home
This lemon herb chicken salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken thigh fillets, romaine lettuce leaves, and grape tomatoes, are reasonably priced and readily available. The use of simple, fresh ingredients makes it an affordable yet flavorful dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 8. The combination of the zesty marinade, tender chicken, and fresh salad ingredients creates a satisfying and delicious meal that won't break the bank.
Is This Chicken Salad Healthy?
The lemon herb chicken salad recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal option. Here's why:
- The recipe uses chicken thigh fillets, which are a good source of lean protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- The salad includes romaine lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, and red onion, all of which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These vegetables provide a variety of health benefits, such as promoting digestion, supporting heart health, and boosting the immune system.
- The marinade and dressing contain olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like parsley, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help protect against chronic diseases.
- Feta cheese adds a tangy flavor and provides calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.
While this recipe is already quite healthy, here are a few suggestions to make it even more nutritious:
- Use a mix of dark leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, in addition to romaine lettuce for added vitamins and minerals.
- Replace the bacon with a plant-based alternative, like crispy chickpeas or coconut bacon, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Add more colorful vegetables, such as grated carrots, sliced bell peppers, or roasted beets, to increase the variety of nutrients in the salad.
- Use a whole grain, like quinoa or brown rice, as a base for the salad to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade, such as cilantro, mint, or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Chicken Salad
The lemon herb chicken salad recipe is a delightful combination of fresh flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, creating a succulent and flavorful protein. The salad components, including crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, tangy feta cheese, and juicy grape tomatoes, provide a harmonious balance of tastes and colors. The addition of bacon adds a savory crunch, while the red onion lends a subtle bite. The overall dish is refreshing, satisfying, and perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The recipe's simplicity and versatility make it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why trust this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Recipe:
The lemon herb chicken salad recipe offers a burst of fresh and zesty flavors, making it a delightful choice for a light and satisfying meal. With a well-balanced combination of herbs and citrus, this recipe promises a refreshing and vibrant taste experience. The use of high-quality ingredients and a carefully crafted marinade ensures that the chicken is tender and flavorful. Additionally, the step-by-step instructions guarantee a straightforward cooking process, allowing users to create a delicious and wholesome salad with ease.
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