This bright garden salad pairs golden pan-fried chicken with creamy mini mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crisp mixed greens. A garlicky whole-grain mustard dressing and crunchy homemade croutons make it a fresh, satisfying lunch that comes together in about 25 minutes. It is light yet filling, and perfect for warm days or a quick protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) chicken breast fillet
- 100 g (3.5 oz) mini mozzarella balls
- 100 g (3.5 oz) cherry tomatoes
- 100 g (3.5 oz) mixed salad greens
- 2 slices white bread
- 2 tsp whole-grain mustard
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
- Pan-fry in oil on both sides until cooked through and golden; let cool slightly, then slice thickly.
- Toast the bread slices in a dry skillet until crisp, then cut into cubes.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and toss with the mozzarella balls, salad greens, and bread cubes.
- Whisk the olive oil with pressed garlic and whole-grain mustard for the dressing.
- Dress the salad, toss, and adjust salt and pepper.
- Arrange in a salad bowl and top with the sliced chicken.
Tips
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing so it stays juicy.
- Toast the bread until truly crisp, so the croutons stay crunchy after dressing.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and bright.
Nutrition: per 100 g: 112 kcal, protein 11 g, fat 4 g, carbs 4 g.
High-Protein Smoked Chicken Salad is another crunchy, protein-packed favorite to try next.
Chicken Salad with Croutons is a crisp, golden-crunch alternative for lunch.
usda.gov offers safe handling and cooking guidance for chicken.
allrecipes.com has many more fresh salad ideas to explore.