Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for grilling
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, and romaine work beautifully)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but adds a lovely tang)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds (for crunch)
- For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Substitution tips: If you don’t have fresh lemon, a splash of apple cider vinegar works well in the dressing. For nuts, walnuts or pecans make a nice alternative. And if you prefer, swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil, then season both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple spice mix brings out a deep, smoky flavor that reminds me of the open-air grills in Spain’s coastal towns.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. You want beautiful grill marks and a slightly crisp exterior but still juicy inside. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes—this step is key for keeping it tender.
- While the chicken rests, prepare your lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste. I always make a little extra dressing because my daughters love to drizzle it over everything.
- In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. Add the diced avocado gently so it doesn’t get mashed. The freshness here is like a breath of Monterey sea air, crisp and invigorating.
- Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and arrange over the salad. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts for that perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.
- Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm grilled chicken on cool greens—a harmony that’s as comforting to me now as it was to my Nonna.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
