Looking for a fresh, vibrant meal that will wake up your taste buds and make you feel like you’re dining at a sunny, luxurious spa—even on the coldest day? The Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken is exactly what you need! With juicy slices of perfectly marinated lemon chicken, crisp greens, sweet citrus, creamy avocado, and sparkling pomegranate, this salad is full of flavors and textures that make healthy eating feel like a treat. You’ll love how every bite is light yet satisfying, and how easy it is to bring together for a colorful, nourishing lunch or dinner.

Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best dishes start with the simplest, freshest ingredients—and this salad is no exception. Each component brings its own pop of taste, color, or texture, making your Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken a feast for the senses.

Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy protein that forms the hearty foundation of this salad.
Olive oil: Adds richness to both the marinade and dressing, while helping bring out flavors.
Apple cider vinegar: Gives the marinade a subtle tang and balances the richness of the chicken.
Lemon juice: Infuses the chicken with bright, zesty flavor—key for that spa-fresh taste.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out every ingredient’s best qualities.
Cara Cara or navel oranges: Offer juicy sweetness and a burst of color.
Avocado: Creamy texture that perfectly balances the freshness of the greens and fruit.
Pomegranate arils: Tiny ruby jewels that provide crunch and a sweet-tart accent.
Fresh spinach or mixed greens: A crisp, nutrient-packed base for your salad.
Canned chickpeas: Add heartiness, gentle flavor, and lots of fiber.
Shallot: Delicate onion notes without overpowering the other flavors.
Fresh herbs (parsley or mint): Spark your palate with freshness—choose your favorite or a mix!
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: These create a creamy, luscious dressing (choose based on your mood or what you have on hand).
Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar: Brings brightness and a little zip to the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Offers gentle heat and depth to pull the dressing together.
Honey: A hint of natural sweetness that ties it all together.

How to Make Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and fresh ground pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add your chicken breasts and make sure they’re evenly coated. Let them soak up all those bright flavors for at least 30 minutes—if you have time, up to 2 hours is wonderful for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken. This simple step infuses the chicken with a zesty lift that’s the backbone of the Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once marinated, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat (a little sizzle means you’re on the right track!). Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps every piece juicy and tender.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, then season with salt and pepper. You want it smooth and creamy, with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Don’t be afraid to adjust the honey or vinegar to fit your taste—it’s your salad after all!

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Now comes the fun part! On a large platter or in individual bowls, layer fresh spinach (or mixed greens), chickpeas, juicy orange slices, creamy avocado, thinly sliced shallot, and those dazzling pomegranate arils. Finish by topping everything with slices of your lemon chicken, then drizzle generously with that luscious dressing. Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top for a final burst of color and flavor—the essence of the Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken.

How to Serve Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken

Garnishes

For a little extra crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle your finished salad with toasted nuts or seeds—think sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. A final flourish of chopped fresh herbs (like mint or parsley) brightens things up even more, making your Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.

Side Dishes

This salad makes a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, try serving it with a crusty whole-grain bread or a simple quinoa pilaf. A bowl of seasonal soup—like carrot-ginger or a light chicken broth—pairs nicely too, keeping that warm, spa-like comfort at the heart of your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Lean into the vibrant colors by arranging ingredients in bold stripes or an artful circular pattern on your platter. For lunch parties, assemble the Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken in individual glass jars—layer greens, fruit, chickpeas, and chicken, then seal and chill until it’s time to eat! It’s also lovely served as a build-your-own salad bar, letting everyone pick their favorite toppings and dressings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. This will keep your greens crisp and your flavors fresh for up to two days. If you’ve already tossed everything together, aim to eat it within 24 hours for the best texture and taste.

Freezing

While the ingredients for the Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months. Wrap the cooled chicken tightly and label it, then thaw in the fridge before slicing and assembling your salad.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover chicken warm, gently reheat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat just until warmed through. For salads already dressed, it’s best to eat them cold—the bright flavors and tender greens are most refreshing this way!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is a terrific time-saver. Just slice it up and toss it with a bit of fresh lemon juice before adding to your salad for that zesty kick the Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken is famous for.

What’s the best way to slice the oranges without making a mess?

Peeled oranges can be segmented over a bowl to catch those lovely juices. Use a sharp knife and slice them crosswise for pretty rounds, or segment them for elegant wedges to scatter on your salad.

Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?

Yes! Swap the mayo or yogurt for a plant-based alternative or simply whisk together olive oil, Dijon, and a touch of honey with your vinegar for a lighter, tangy dressing that still complements your Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken beautifully.

Can I add grains to make it heartier?

Definitely! Try mixing in cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice to add extra texture and make the salad even more filling, perfect for meal prep or hungry dinner guests.

How do I keep avocado from browning if prepping ahead?

Toss avocado slices in a little lemon juice before adding to your Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken. The citrus helps prevent browning and also blends seamlessly with the other flavors in your bowl.

Final Thoughts

Few things are as satisfying or uplifting as a bowl bursting with color, nutrients, and fresh flavors—which is exactly why this Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken is always on my table when I need a pick-me-up meal. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but beautiful enough for guests. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and let it bring a little spa-inspired sunshine to your kitchen, no matter what the weather’s like outside!

Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe