Flavorful Grilled Chicken Salad with Creamy Dressing
Grilled Chicken Salad with a Homemade Creamy Cheese Dressing
This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with any meal and is a fantastic choice for healthy eating and dieting. Topped with boiled eggs, olives, and sweet potatoes, it makes for a satisfying light meal. Enjoy the delightful combination of fresh greens and tender grilled chicken, enhanced by a smooth, homemade creamy cheese dressing.
Salad Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 8 boneless chicken thighs (for marinating)
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- 1/4 head lettuce (torn or chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 50g mixed baby greens
- 10g radicchio or tatsoi (washed and ready)
- 5 cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 strips bacon (cooked until crispy and chopped)
Creamy Homemade Dressing
- 1 Tbsp cream cheese (softened)
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1-2 Tbsp white wine vinegar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp honey
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp cream cheese (softened)
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1-2 Tbsp white wine vinegar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp honey
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the chicken breasts under running water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets; chicken thighs can be used whole. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 4 Tbsp olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Massage the marinade into the chicken thoroughly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. (This process is called marinating.)
Step 2
Prepare the accompanying salad ingredients. Pit and halve the cherry tomatoes. If you have boiled eggs, peel them and slice them into desired thickness. (Boiled eggs, olives, and sweet potatoes are optional additions.)
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious homemade dressing. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp softened cream cheese, 2 Tbsp mayonnaise, 3 Tbsp plain yogurt, 2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk, 1-2 Tbsp white wine vinegar (adjust to your preference), 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 Tbsp honey. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together using a whisk or fork until smooth and creamy. Your delightful creamy dressing is ready!
Step 4
Heat a grill pan over medium heat until hot. Place the marinated chicken on the hot pan and sear until golden brown on the outside. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through to the center. Be careful not to burn the chicken. If a grill pan is not available, a regular frying pan can also be used. Once cooked, let the chicken rest briefly before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5
Arrange the prepared lettuce, mixed baby greens, and radicchio (or tatsoi) attractively on a large plate or salad bowl. Top with the sliced boiled egg, black olives, sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and chopped crispy bacon (if using). For an extra touch of freshness, add some fruit segments like oranges, if available. Just before serving, generously drizzle the homemade creamy dressing over the salad and enjoy!
