Imagine a dish that feels like a breath of fresh, crisp air on a chilly day—bright, nourishing, and packed with vibrant flavors. That’s exactly what the Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe delivers. It combines juicy, tender lemon-marinated chicken with the sweet zing of cara cara oranges, creamy avocado, and the tangy pop of pomegranate arils—all tossed with fresh spinach and aromatic herbs. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but a revitalizing meal perfect for anyone craving a healthy, wholesome boost during colder months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is a close-up photo of a stack of peeled orange slices placed directly on a white marbled surface. The stack has six layers, each showing the bright, juicy, and slightly translucent orange flesh with some white pith edges visible between the slices. The texture looks moist and fresh, with the light reflecting off the shiny, wet surface of the orange segments. The colors range from light orange to deeper reddish-orange, and the layers are uneven, giving a natural look to the pile. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe just right is all about fresh, simple ingredients that bring depth and balance to every bite. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s the creamy avocado adding smooth richness or the pomegranate arils delivering a juicy burst of sweetness.

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up the zesty lemon marinade beautifully.
2 cara cara oranges, peeled and cut into pieces: Their sweet, slightly tart flavor adds vibrant citrus notes and a pop of color.
1 avocado, cut into slices: Creamy texture that balances the bright acids perfectly.
1/2 cup pomegranate arils: Jewel-like seeds that give a refreshing tart crunch.
2 cups spinach, torn or cut into small pieces: Tender leafy greens that bring earthiness and nutrition.
1 14-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained: Adds hearty, satisfying body and protein.
1 shallot, thinly sliced: Delicate onion flavor that enhances the salad’s complexity.
A handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint: Brings herbal freshness and bright aroma.
1/3 cup olive oil: For cooking and dressing, contributes a luscious, fruity richness.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds subtle tanginess to the marinade and dressing.
Juice of one half of a lemon: Essential for that zingy punch in both marinade and salad dressing.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasoning that awakens all flavors without overpowering.
3 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy dressing base that coats everything just right.
1-2 tablespoons champagne vinegar: Light acidity that enhances the salad’s bright profile.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or other grainy mustard: Adds a subtle spicy depth to the dressing.
Salt, pepper, and/or honey to taste: Balances seasoning and sweetness for a perfectly rounded dish.

How to Make Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the marinade ingredients—olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and salt—into a smooth blend. Toss the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them chill out in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step not only infuses the chicken with bright, tangy flavors but also ensures each bite stays juicy and tender. If you have extra time, marinating for up to two hours will deepen the flavor even more.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the chicken soaks up its marinade, whisk together the creamy dressing. Combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of salt, pepper, and honey. This luscious dressing will tie all those fresh, vibrant ingredients together with a silky tang that’s just irresistible.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a pan or preheat your griddle. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and cook until the chicken is perfectly done—opaque and slightly golden on the outside. Cooking the chicken this way locks in moisture and adds a subtle char that complements the fresh salad perfectly. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy before slicing.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the spinach, chickpeas, sliced shallots, pomegranate arils, citrus pieces, avocado, and fresh herbs. Add the warm chicken slices and drizzle over the creamy dressing. Toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a drizzle of extra olive oil if you like. This step brings the whole salad to life with vibrant color and a beautiful medley of textures and flavors.

How to Serve Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe

The image shows a large shiny metal bowl with five distinct layers of ingredients. Starting from the left, there is a pile of round, light beige chickpeas. Just below the chickpeas is a bright green chopped herb layer, likely parsley. Next to the chickpeas at the top is a layer of dark green spinach leaves. On the top right side is a small pile of bright red pomegranate seeds. Finally, on the bottom right side, there are small pieces of light brown cooked chicken with a slightly grilled texture. Thin white strips, possibly radish, rest on the chicken layer. A woman's hand holding a wooden spoon is seen on the left side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe by sprinkling a few extra pomegranate arils or chopped herbs on top. A little cracked black pepper or a light dusting of lemon zest can add a boost of freshness and visual appeal that makes every bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

This salad shines wonderfully on its own as a light, complete meal but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm flatbreads to soak up any remaining dressing. For a heartier accompaniment, serve alongside roasted root vegetables or a bowl of comforting soup—perfect for a winter day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the salad layered in individual glass jars or colorful bowls to showcase the beautiful layers of spinach green, orange segments, and ruby-red pomegranate. Alternatively, arranging the ingredients separately on a platter before drizzling with dressing creates an interactive dining experience where guests can build their own perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the greens from wilting, then toss everything together just before serving to maintain crisp, fresh flavors.

Freezing

The cooked chicken can be frozen separately for up to three months, but avoid freezing the salad itself, as the fresh vegetables and dressing won’t hold up well. When ready, thaw chicken overnight in the fridge, then combine with fresh salad components for a near-fresh taste.

Reheating

Reheat the cooked chicken gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying it out. Once warmed, add it back to freshly tossed salad ingredients to recreate this vibrant dish with minimal effort.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits besides cara cara oranges?

Absolutely! Blood oranges, regular navel oranges, or even grapefruit can work wonderfully. Each variation brings a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find what you love best.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra chickpeas or roasted tofu for protein. The hearty chickpeas and creamy avocado ensure the salad still feels satisfying and full of flavor.

What can I substitute if I don’t have mayonnaise or Greek yogurt?

You can use a light vinaigrette in place of the creamy dressing or try blending avocado with lemon juice and olive oil for a natural creamy texture without dairy or mayo.

How long can I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Marinating for 30 minutes is enough to impressively enhance flavor, but if you have the time, up to two hours will deepen the lemony zing and tenderness beautifully without overpowering the chicken.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

Definitely! Prep all ingredients and the dressing separately and assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh. You can grill the chicken ahead and refrigerate it, too, making meal day stress-free.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe has become a beloved favorite, not only because it’s vibrant and delicious but also because it feels like a little celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and enjoy that wonderful balance of citrus brightness, creamy avocado, and tender chicken—a perfect pick-me-up any day of the week.

Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe