Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe – Italian Seasoning & Ranch Dressing

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe – Italian Seasoning & Ranch Dressing

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. This Grilled Chicken Salad is exactly that – it’s light, fresh, packed with flavour, and comes together in under 30 minutes. I first made this when I was trying to eat a little lighter during the summer, and it’s been a family favourite ever since! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any chicken salad. The combination of perfectly grilled, Italian-seasoned chicken with a crisp, fresh salad and creamy ranch dressing is seriously addictive. It’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling energised, not weighed down. Plus, it’s super versatile – feel free to swap out veggies or adjust the seasoning to your liking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Grilled Chicken Salad:

• 1 Chicken breast
• 2 medium Cucumber
• 2 medium Tomato
• 1 large Onion
• 1 bunch Lettuce or salad leaves
• ?? Ranch dressing (about ½ – ¾ cup, depending on your preference)
• 2 tsp Olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Italian Seasoning Blend: I love using a good quality Italian seasoning blend. It usually contains a mix of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. You can find pre-made blends, or easily make your own!
• Ranch Dressing: The quality of your ranch dressing really shines through here. Feel free to use your favourite store-bought brand, or even make your own from scratch for an extra special touch.
• Lettuce/Salad Leaves: I usually go for a mix of lettuce varieties – romaine, butter lettuce, and red leaf lettuce are all great choices. You can also use spring mix or any other salad greens you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, slice the chicken breast horizontally into two thin cutlets. This helps it cook quickly and evenly. Brush both sides with about 1 tsp of olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning.
2. Now, heat a griddle or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. A hot surface is key to getting those beautiful grill marks! Brush the griddle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Place the seasoned chicken on the hot griddle, seasoned-side down. Grill for about 5 minutes, until golden brown and slightly charred.
4. Brush the top of the chicken with the remaining olive oil, and season with a little more salt, pepper, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the cooked chicken from the griddle and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into strips and set aside.
6. While the chicken is resting, let’s prep the salad. Chop the cucumber into chunks, dice the tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion.
7. In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion. Season with salt and pepper, and toss everything together well.
8. Arrange the grilled chicken strips on top of the salad. Drizzle about half of the ranch dressing over the chicken and salad.
9. Here’s a little trick I learned from my mom: let the salad rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.
10. Serve with the remaining ranch dressing on the side, so everyone can add as much as they like!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the griddle: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it gets properly browned.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
• Marinate the chicken: For even more flavour, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before grilling.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Ranch Dressing Option: Simply use a gluten-free ranch dressing, or make your own using a gluten-free thickener.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the chicken seasoning for a little kick. My husband loves this!
• Vegan: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or seitan. Marinate it in Italian dressing for the best flavour.
• Summer BBQ Adaptation: Grill the chicken alongside other veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a complete BBQ meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Grilled Chicken Salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious ranch dressing.
• Some roasted sweet potato fries for a heartier meal.
• A refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the lettuce will wilt over time. It’s best to store the chicken and salad separately and combine them just before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I use a different type of lettuce? Absolutely! Feel free to use any lettuce or salad greens you like.
• What is the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out? Slicing the chicken breast horizontally into cutlets and marinating it beforehand will help keep it moist.
• Can I make the salad ahead of time? You can prep the veggies and chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
• Is Italian seasoning the same as Herbs de Provence? Not quite! Herbs de Provence typically includes lavender, which Italian seasoning doesn’t. They’re both delicious, but have slightly different flavour profiles.
• What can I substitute for Ranch dressing? You could use a vinaigrette, a creamy yogurt dressing, or even a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing.

Enjoy! I hope you love this Grilled Chicken Salad as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what variations you come up with!