Salads don’t have to be boring or bland—this Grilled Chicken Salad with Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing is the perfect example of how fresh ingredients and homemade dressings can elevate a simple salad into something extraordinary. This dish is a great option for a healthy lunch or dinner, offering a satisfying combination of lean protein, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing that will have you craving more.

The grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor and juicy texture, while the homemade sweet onion dressing is a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and you can even prep the components ahead of time for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you're following a high-protein diet, trying to eat cleaner, or simply looking for something flavorful, this salad will not disappoint.

Ingredients (in grams)

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 300g each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15g)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (2g)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1g)
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin (1g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (about 120g)
• 1 cucumber, sliced (about 150g)
• 1 medium tomato, diced (about 180g)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced (about 50g)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 30g)
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (about 30g)

For the Sweet Onion Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (120g)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30g)
• 1 tablespoon honey (15g)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15g)
• 1 small sweet onion, finely chopped (about 50g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grilled Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken on both sides for even coverage. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Make the Sweet Onion Dressing: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the sweet onion dressing. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and finely chopped sweet onion. Whisk everything together until smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a thinner consistency, you can add a little water, one teaspoon at a time, to adjust the texture.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, sliced cucumber, diced tomato, and thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds over the top.
4. Slice the Chicken: After the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips. Add the grilled chicken slices on top of the salad.
5. Drizzle with Sweet Onion Dressing: Drizzle the homemade sweet onion dressing generously over the salad and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overdress the salad; you can always serve extra dressing on the side.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Your Grilled Chicken Salad with Homemade Sweet Onion Dressing is now ready to serve! Whether you enjoy it as a light meal or pair it with a side of whole-grain bread, this salad will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

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Why This Grilled Chicken Salad Will Become Your New Favorite

1. Packed with Protein and Healthy Fats:
This salad is a great source of lean protein from the grilled chicken, which is perfect for muscle repair and keeping you full for longer. The addition of almonds and feta provides a healthy dose of fats, which are essential for overall health and a feeling of satiety.

2. Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients:
The combination of fresh veggies, creamy feta, and the homemade sweet onion dressing makes this salad full of vibrant flavors. The crunchy cucumber and almonds, paired with the juicy grilled chicken and tangy dressing, create a delicious contrast in every bite.

3. Versatile and Customizable:
While the recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Add avocado for extra creaminess, or throw in some roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more texture. If you prefer a different dressing, swap out the sweet onion dressing for balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon tahini sauce.

4. Quick and Easy to Prepare:
With just a few simple ingredients and a grill or grill pan, you can have this hearty salad ready in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, meal prepping for the week, or even as a crowd-pleasing option for a family gathering.

5. Great for Meal Prep:
This salad holds up well for meal prep. If you're making it ahead of time, store the salad components (without the dressing) in separate containers. When you're ready to eat, just assemble and drizzle the dressing on top for a fresh, quick meal.

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Tips & Tricks

• Grill Marks on Chicken: For those perfect grill marks, make sure your grill is preheated properly, and don’t move the chicken around too much while it cooks. Let it sear for a few minutes on each side before flipping.
• Make the Dressing Ahead of Time: The sweet onion dressing can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This makes it easy to prep ahead of time for busy days.
• Add More Crunch: If you like extra crunch, try adding some crispy bacon bits, croutons, or even roasted chickpeas to the salad. These additions can take the texture to the next level.
• Low-Calorie Option: To lighten the dressing, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo alternative. This will cut down on calories while still keeping the creaminess intact.
• Grilled Veggies: For an added burst of flavor, throw some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus on the grill alongside the chicken. Grilled vegetables add depth and smokiness to the salad.