Grilled Chicken Salad with Corn & Creamy Herb Dressing: A Fresh and Hearty Meal
Craving a healthy, satisfying salad that’s anything but boring? This Grilled Chicken Salad with Corn & Creamy Herb Dressing brings together smoky grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a homemade herb-packed dressing for a meal that’s light yet filling. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a wholesome lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein and fiber
- Easy to prep and customize
- Made with simple ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Ideal for lunch or a light dinner
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or canned)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
For the Creamy Herb Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or more yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium heat. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice or cube.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine romaine, corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Top with grilled chicken.
- Drizzle & Serve: Spoon dressing over the salad or serve it on the side. Toss just before eating.
Tips for Success
- Use grilled corn on the cob for a smoky, sweet crunch.
- Chill the dressing for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Swap chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Store extra dressing in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great in this salad.
Is the dressing dairy-free?
No, but you can substitute with dairy-free yogurt and mayo to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.
Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes. Store dressing separately and add just before serving to keep veggies crisp.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g