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green salad bowl

Green Salad Bowl

This Green Salad Bowl recipe combines a fresh base of mixed greens with a choice of grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups mixed greens e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine, kale
  • 1 grilled chicken breast or 1 cup chickpeas for a vegetarian option
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cucumber sliced
  • ¼ red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds or almonds optional
  • 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese optional
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey optional, for sweetness
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Begin by rinsing and drying your greens thoroughly. Use a salad spinner to remove excess water and place the greens in a large bowl.
  • If using grilled chicken, season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Grill it over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Allow the chicken to rest before slicing it into strips or cubes.
  • For a vegetarian option, rinse and drain chickpeas, and optionally season them with salt and pepper or your favorite spices before adding them to the salad.
  • Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado. Set them aside.
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • On top of your prepared greens, add the grilled chicken or chickpeas, followed by the sliced vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and avocado).
  • Sprinkle the salad with sunflower seeds, almonds, or any other toppings you prefer. Add crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
  • Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
  • Your green salad bowl is now ready to serve! This makes for an excellent lunch, dinner, or side dish.

Notes

  1. Customizations: Feel free to switch up your greens or protein based on what you have on hand. Try adding roasted vegetables or swapping out feta for goat cheese or blue cheese.
  2. Dressing Variations: If you’re looking for a change, you can experiment with other dressings like lemon tahini, Greek yogurt-based ranch, or a simple olive oil and lemon juice combo.
  3. Meal Prep: This salad is easy to prepare in advance. Simply keep the greens, vegetables, and protein separate from the dressing until you’re ready to serve. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.