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Chicken Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing


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  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: undefined

Description

Chicken Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing is a fresh, light, and satisfying dish that combines tender grilled or roasted chicken with a variety of crisp vegetables, all topped with creamy homemade or store-bought ranch dressing. It’s a wholesome, customizable meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack.


Ingredients

  1. For the salad:
    2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
    4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or a blend)
    1 cucumber, sliced
    1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
    1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
    1/2 cup shredded carrots
    1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
    1/4 cup roasted nuts or seeds (e.g., almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts, optional)
    For the ranch dressing:
    1/2 cup mayonnaise
    1/4 cup sour cream
    1 tablespoon buttermilk (or regular milk, for a thinner dressing)
    1 teaspoon garlic powder
    1 teaspoon onion powder
    1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
    1 teaspoon fresh parsley (or 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley)
    1 teaspoon lemon juice
    Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For the salad:
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like (such as garlic powder, paprika, or oregano). Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

  1. Prepare the vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, wash and chop your vegetables. Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and shred the carrots.
  2. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, shredded carrots, and any optional toppings such as feta cheese or nuts. Toss everything together to combine.
  3. For the ranch dressing:
    Make the ranch dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the consistency with more milk if needed.
  4. Assemble the salad: Once the chicken is sliced and the vegetables are prepared, arrange the salad on individual plates or in a large bowl. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle the ranch dressing on top.
  5. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs or a sprinkle of roasted nuts or seeds if desired.

Notes

  1. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Swap the ranch dressing for Caesar dressing and add croutons for a different flavor.
  2. Chicken Cobb Salad: Add hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon bits, and blue cheese for a heartier, protein-packed version.
  3. Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add roasted chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
  4. Spicy Chicken Salad: Season the chicken with chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, and drizzle with a spicy ranch dressing made with hot sauce or sriracha.
  5. Fruit & Nut Salad: Add fresh fruit like apple slices, strawberries, or dried cranberries, and top with toasted nuts for a sweet and savory twist.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling, Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg