Grilled Chicken Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette:

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:

• Mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and lettuce)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, sliced
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Toasted nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Grilled Chicken:

   • In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
   • Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

2. Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large bowl, toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted nuts.
   • Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

4. Slice the Grilled Chicken:

   • Once the chicken has rested, slice it thinly against the grain.

5. Serve:

   • Divide the salad among plates or bowls. Top each portion with slices of grilled chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Benefits:

1. High in Protein: Grilled chicken is a lean source of protein, which helps to build and repair muscle tissue, supports immune function, and promotes satiety, keeping you feeling full for longer.

2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber in the salad provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate, which are important for overall health and wellbeing.

3. Healthy Fats: The olive oil used in both the marinade and the balsamic vinaigrette is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease.

4. Antioxidants: Balsamic vinegar contains antioxidants that help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

5. Fiber: Nuts and vegetables in the salad provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.

Overall, this Grilled Chicken Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, and the balsamic vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor that ties everything together beautifully. Enjoy!