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Easy Honey Garlic Spring Chicken Salad

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A fresh and healthy chicken salad featuring tender chicken glazed with a honey garlic dressing, crisp spring greens, and crunchy veggies. Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons honey (preferably local raw honey)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups mixed spring greens (arugula, baby spinach, butter lettuce)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or walnuts (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken marinade by whisking together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour marinade over them. Turn to coat evenly and marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off (reserve marinade). Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Pour reserved marinade into pan during last 2 minutes, spooning over chicken to glaze.
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  5. While chicken cooks, rinse and dry mixed greens thoroughly. Halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice cucumber and red onion, and toast nuts lightly if using.
  6. Mix dressing by combining apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  7. In a large bowl, toss greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion with half the dressing. Add sliced chicken on top, drizzle with remaining dressing, and sprinkle with toasted nuts.
  8. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor. Keep greens dry to avoid sogginess. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free. Toast nuts lightly for extra crunch. Avoid burning honey by cooking chicken on medium heat and glazing in last 2 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken salad, spring salad, healthy chicken salad, quick chicken salad, easy salad recipe, honey garlic dressing

Find it online: https://avabake.com/easy-honey-garlic-spring-chicken-salad-recipe-for-healthy-meals/