This summer salad is not only bright and colorful but also bursting with flavors and nutrients. The combination of citrus, creamy avocado, and grilled chicken makes it a delicious and fat burning meal that can easily be prepped ahead.
Enjoy this salad as a light lunch or dinner on warm summer days (because summer is not over yet)!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 grapefruit, segmented
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Toasted nuts or seeds
- Mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or your choice)
- Optional: dollop of greek yoghurt for extra protein
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Marinate and Grill the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts slightly to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper and mix well.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for about 15-30 minutes. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed salad greens, sliced avocado, segmented grapefruit, segmented orange, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss the salad to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado. Top the salad with toasted nuts or seeds and the grilled chicken slices.
Serve: Divide the salad among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Optional: add a dollop of greek yoghurt for extra protein and creaminess!