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Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 42 reviews

This Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender grilled chicken marinated in a tangy balsamic mixture, served atop a crisp bed of radicchio and endive, with sweet Honeycrisp apples, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and toasted walnuts. Finished with a creamy Dijon-maple dressing and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan, this salad is perfect as a nutritious side dish or a light meal bursting with textures and balanced savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade and Grilled Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
  • 1 clove fresh garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Dressing

  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 shallot (grated or finely minced)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Salad

  • 1 head radicchio (leaves separated and cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 2 heads endive (cut into bite size pieces)
  • 1 pomegranate (seeded)
  • 1 Honeycrisp apple (cored and sliced thin)
  • 2 tbsp Italian parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup walnut halves or pieces (toasted)
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, fresh rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the pounded thin chicken breasts in the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, grated shallot, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
  4. Prepare the salad base: Separate radicchio leaves and cut into bite-sized pieces. Cut endive into similar sized pieces. Combine the radicchio and endive in a large salad bowl.
  5. Prepare the toppings: Core and thinly slice the Honeycrisp apple. Seed the pomegranate. Finely chop the Italian parsley and toast walnut halves in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, taking care not to burn them.
  6. Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken breasts from marinade and grill each side for about 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
  7. Assemble the salad: Toss the radicchio and endive with the prepared dressing until evenly coated. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top, then add apple slices, pomegranate seeds, toasted walnuts, and chopped parsley. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm grilled chicken with the crisp, fresh salad and flavorful dressing.

Notes

  • For an extra smoky flavor, adding a touch of smoked paprika to the chicken marinade works wonderfully.
  • Make sure to slice the chicken thinly against the grain for tender bites.
  • Use ripe Honeycrisp apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
  • To save time, the dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
  • To toast walnuts, keep a close eye and stir frequently to prevent burning.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free