This Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad is a tasty mix of grilled chicken, hearty chickpeas, and fresh veggies. It’s healthy, filling, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
I love that it’s so colorful and packed with protein. Plus, it takes no time to whip up. You can enjoy it chilled or even warm—either way, it’s a winner! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this salad. If you’re looking for a quick option, rotisserie chicken works well too! Just shred it and toss it in.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient, but you can also use cooked dried chickpeas. If you’re avoiding beans, try using cooked quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: The mix of red and yellow tomatoes adds color and sweetness. Feel free to swap with diced regular tomatoes or even use bell peppers for crunch.
Cucumber: Any cucumber works, but English cucumbers have fewer seeds and are less bitter. You can also substitute with zucchini slices if you want to try something different.
Greens: Kale adds a hearty texture, but mixed greens, spinach, or arugula will also do great. If you prefer, use pre-washed salad mixes for convenience.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings saltiness and creaminess. If avoiding dairy, use a vegan feta or skip it altogether. Avocado can be a great creamy alternative.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly for My Salad?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll have juicy, flavorful pieces for your salad!
- Start with slightly thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If they are too thick, you might want to butterfly them or pound them a bit to ensure they cook through quickly.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill helps to sear the chicken beautifully without drying it out.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill! Give each piece space. This prevents steaming and allows for nice grill marks.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist when you slice it.
With these tips, your chicken will turn out perfect every time, adding a great flavor to your salad!
Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (choose red and yellow for color variety)
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups kale or mixed greens, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for grilling chicken)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad will take about 30 minutes to prepare and assemble. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes grilling the chicken and preparing the vegetables and dressing, then just a few minutes to put it all together. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grill the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, brush the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano. Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale or mixed greens with the rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful mix is packed full of nutrients and flavor!
3. Create the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, the remaining oregano, salt, and black pepper. This zesty dressing will enhance all the ingredients beautifully!
4. Combine and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Now, arrange the salad into serving bowls and top each serving with the sliced grilled chicken. Finally, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley for a delicious finishing touch.
5. Enjoy!
Serve your Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad immediately for a hearty meal, or chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes for a refreshing twist. Enjoy your nutritious, protein-packed dish!
Can I Use Canned Chickpeas Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are convenient and save time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to your salad for the best texture and flavor.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the chicken and feta cheese. You can replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for protein. Also, ensure your dressing is dairy-free!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance. However, to keep it fresh, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving. The salad can usually last in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What Can I Substitute for the Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for feta cheese, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or even a vegan cheese option. Avocado can also provide a creamy texture and healthy fats!