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Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe

Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 15 reviews
  • Author: saadia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Main Course
  • Method: Grilling, No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Winter Spa Salad with Lemon Chicken. A delightful mix of citrusy chicken, fresh greens, and a tangy dressing, this salad is the perfect balance of light and satisfying.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh ground pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

  • 2 Cara Cara or navel oranges, peeled and sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or mixed greens)
  • 1 (14 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley or mint), chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
  • 12 tablespoons champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo or yogurt, vinegar, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
  4. Assemble the salad: On a large platter or in individual bowls, layer spinach, chickpeas, orange slices, avocado, shallot, and pomegranate arils.
  5. Top with sliced lemon chicken and drizzle with dressing. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

  • For added crunch, sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds.
  • Can be made ahead—store dressing separately and add just before serving.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad with dressing
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg