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Tender chicken, fresh veggies and a zesty homemade dressing combine for a great Grilled Chicken Salad. This is the perfect Summer salad with tons of flavor.

Grilled chicken salad in a bowl topped with corn slice tomatoes, avocado, red onions and shredded cheese
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We love to prepare salads especially in the Summer. This Grilled Chicken Salad is so tasty and hearty enough for even the pickiest eaters. It is packed with grilled chicken and a ton of veggies. You won’t go hungry eating this filling salad recipe. Each bite has lots of fresh ingredients.

The entire salad is topped with a simple homemade dressing. You probably already have the ingredients on hand. It is light and tangy for the perfect amount of flavor. Another family favorite is Spinach Strawberry Salad and Watermelon Feta Salad.

Why We Love This Recipe

Give this salad recipe a try for an easy meal that everyone will enjoy. If you have hearty eaters that think salad isn’t a meal, this recipe will change their mind. It is always a crowd pleaser even for the biggest eaters.

It is simply amazing and easy to adapt to everyone’s preference. You can even set out a topping bar and let everyone make their own salad. It is a winner every time and packed with so much flavor.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Grilled chicken salad - chicken breast, salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, corn on the cob
  • Chicken Breasts – You may need to filet the chicken so it is about the same size
  • Garlic Powder – If you are out, see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
  • Olive Oil – Feel free to use oil of your choice
  • Red Wine Vinegar – See The Best Red Wine Vinegar Substitutes if you are out
  • Dried Oregano – Feel free to also use fresh herbs
  • Chopped Romaine Lettuce – You can also use a mixture of mixed greens

For the full list of ingredients and recipe, scroll to the bottom of the post.

How to Grill Chicken for Salad

  • Step 1 – Preheat your grill. It needs to be over medium high heat (approximately 400 degrees F).
Combining seasoning in a bowl with a plate of chicken breast on a plate

Step 2 – Mix together the seasonings. Combine the chicken seasonings together in a small bowl.

Brushing oil and seasoning on the chicken breast

Step 3 – Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle the seasonings on each chicken breast.

Placing chicken on the grill

Step 4 – Grill the chicken. Place the chicken directly on the grill grates and grill the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. You do not have to use a grill pan unless you want to. The chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Grilled chicken on a plate

Step 5 – Allow the chicken to rest. Move the chicken to a separate plate to rest for at least 5 minutes.

How to Make Homemade Dressing

  • Step 1 – Combine ingredients. In a medium bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Combining the dressing ingredients in a bowl

How to Make Grilled Chicken Salad

  • Step 1 – Then in time to prepare the salads. Remove the corn kernels off of the cobs and slice the chicken.
Grilled Chicken Salad in a bowl topped with corn, slice tomatoes, avocado, red onions and shredded cheese

Step 2 – Divide the lettuce. Place the chopped romaine lettuce in 4 individual serving bowls or large salad bowl. Add the chicken and toppings to the lettuce. Top each bowl with the chicken, tomatoes, corn, red onions and avocado.

Pouring dressing over the top of grilled chicken salad

Step 3 – Drizzle the salad dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • Chicken – This is a great recipe to use leftover chicken with. You can even make it with a rotisserie chicken.
  • Fresh Ingredients – This salad is so much better with fresh salad ingredients.

Variation Ideas

  • Protein. Substitute chicken for shrimp, salmon or tilapia. You can also make it with chicken thighs or chicken tenders.
  • Veggies. You can use what is in season or anything you prefer. This easy salad is so versatile. We love kale, spinach, cucumbers, cauliflower, carrots and broccoli.
  • Dressing. This homemade dressing is amazing but feel free to change the dressing. Some ideas include: Blue Cheese, Dijon Mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar and Ranch dressing. Sometimes, I just sprinkle lemon juice and olive oil on top.
  • Meat Free. Skip the chicken all together. Add beans with the veggies for a vegetarian option that is filling and delicious.
  • Nuts – Another delicious topping for this salad is Slow Cooker Candied Pecans Recipe.
  • Chicken Marinade – Feel free to change the marinade to Fajita Chicken Marinade or Easy Italian Chicken Marinade for a delicious variations.

Topping Ideas

  • Croutons. You can use store bought or try these easy homemade croutons.
  • Tortilla Strips.
  • Fried Onions.
  • Nuts. Try either sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds or pecans.
  • Boiled Eggs. Chop boiled eggs for a protein packed topping.
  • Legumes. Toss a spoonful or two of chickpeas, black beans or pinto beans on the salad.
  • Feta Cheese
  • Kalamata Olives
  • Fresh Chopped Cilantro
Grilled chicken salad in a bowl topped with corn, shredded cheese, tomatoes and avocado

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftovers

Store the chicken and toppings in separate airtight containers. Place in the fridge and enjoy another great salad for lunch or dinner. We love leftovers because it is so easy to meal prep. I like to put salad in individual containers and chicken in individual containers. For even more tips on storing your leftover salad, see How to Keep Salad Fresh

How long to Grill Chicken

Chicken breasts do not take long to cook. They only take about 3 to 5 minutes per side on the grill. The cooking time will vary based on how thick the chicken is.

How to Know When Chicken is Done?

The easiest and most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breasts. This will ensure accuracy.
We have an instant read thermometer and it is so handy. You never have to guess or cut open the meat.

More Easy Salad Recipes

If you make this best grilled chicken salad recipe, please leave us a comment or star review. We love hearing from you.

Grilled chicken salad in a bowl.

Grilled Chicken Salad

5 from 3 votes
Tender chicken, fresh veggies and a zesty homemade dressing combine for a great grilled chicken salad. This is the perfect Summer salad with tons of flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 357

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

For the Dressing:

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups chopped Romaine Lettuce
  • 2 cups chopped Cherry Tomatoes
  • ½ cup sliced Red Onion
  • 1 Avocado
  • 1 corn on the cob grilled
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Instructions

  • Preheat your grill over medium high heat (approximately 400 degrees F). Combine the chicken seasonings together in a small bowl. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle the seasonings on each chicken breast.
  • Place the chicken directly on the grill grates and grill the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  • Move the chicken to a separate plate to rest for at least 5 minutes.
  • In a small mixing bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients.
  • Then in time to prepare the salads. Remove the corn kernels off of the cobs and slice the chicken. Place the chopped romaine lettuce in 4 individual serving bowls. Top each bowl with the chicken, tomatoes, corn, red onions and avocado. Drizzle the dressing on top of each salad.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

You can easily make this salad with your favorite salad toppings or salad dressing.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 357kcal, Carbohydrates 10g, Protein 18g, Fat 28g, Saturated Fat 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat 3g, Monounsaturated Fat 19g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 48mg, Sodium 490mg, Potassium 703mg, Fiber 4g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 3076IU, Vitamin C 19mg, Calcium 33mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie Barnard — a professional food blogger with over 14 years of experience helping busy families make dinner fast, easy, and affordable.

At Eating on a Dime, I share simple, budget-friendly recipes that are tested in my own kitchen and approved by my 8 kids. With millions of readers each month, I’m here to help you cook real food for real families — without the stress.

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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