When it comes to creating a meal that is both satisfying and healthy, few dishes can compare to a well-made chicken salad. This Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens is a perfect balance of fresh, crunchy vegetables, tender, savory chicken, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette that ties everything together in a delicious harmony of flavors. What makes this salad truly special is its versatility, ease of preparation, and the countless ways you can customize it to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch on a busy weekday or a light, refreshing dinner after a long day, this salad is the ideal choice.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped green bell pepper

2 (10-ounce) packages mixed salad greens
4 thinly sliced chicken deli meat, chopped
1 tomato, chopped

¼ teaspoon onion powder
3 dashes garlic powder
2 pinches salt and ground black pepper, to taste

3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and drying your salad greens thoroughly. This ensures a crisp, fresh salad.
Chop the onion, green bell pepper, and tomato into bite-sized pieces.

Thinly slice the chicken deli meat and chop it into smaller pieces for easy distribution throughout the salad.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, bell pepper, tomato, and mixed greens.
Add the chopped chicken deli meat to the salad.

Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper over the salad ingredients.
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the top and toss everything together gently until well combined.

Step 3: Serve

Serve immediately as a light lunch or dinner. For added crunch, you can top with croutons or add a sprinkle of your favorite cheese like feta or Parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes

Kcal: 250 kcal per serving | Servings: 2-3 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g

Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 12g

Cooking Tips:

Customize Your Protein: If you prefer freshly cooked chicken, you can use grilled or roasted chicken instead of deli meat for a heartier meal. Rotisserie chicken works great as well.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like cucumbers, shredded carrots, or avocado for extra flavor and nutrients.
Seasoning: You can adjust the seasoning to your taste by increasing the amount of garlic powder, onion powder, or adding herbs like basil or parsley.

Dress to Taste: Balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy sweetness to the salad, but you can switch it up with ranch, Caesar, or honey mustard dressing for a different flavor profile.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator. This helps to keep the greens from getting soggy. The salad can be stored for up to 1-2 days in an airtight container.
Meal Prep: To make this salad ahead of time for meal prep, store the mixed salad greens and veggies in a container and the chicken in a separate container. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Reheating: This salad is best served cold, but if you are using freshly grilled chicken, it can be served warm as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I use another type of meat in this salad? Yes! Turkey deli meat, ham, or even cooked shrimp would be great alternatives for this salad.
Can I use a different type of dressing? Absolutely! This salad pairs well with a variety of dressings like ranch, Caesar, or a light lemon vinaigrette.

What other toppings can I add to this salad? For extra texture and flavor, you can add toppings like nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (sunflower, chia), or even croutons.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Yes! Just make sure to store the salad greens separately from the dressing to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens is a light, refreshing meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner, this salad combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with the savory taste of chicken, all brought together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

It’s incredibly easy to prepare and versatile, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. Add in extra vegetables, change up the dressing, or even switch the protein for a totally different flavor experience. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this salad is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.