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StovetopComplexity

Grilled Chicken Salad

This Grilled Chicken Salad delivers 24g protein and 546 calories per serving—a lighter option for carb-conscious training days. Readies 4 servings quickly on the stovetop, working as a lunch that won't spike insulin before afternoon sessions. Ideal for maintaining a caloric deficit while preserving lean mass during cutting phases.

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Ingredients

4 servings
  • Chicken Breast, Grilled

    Boneless skinless. Buy in bulk and freeze — Costco rotisserie packs work too.

  • Almonds(120g)
  • Yellow Onion
  • Lettuce, Romaine(960g)
  • Spinach(960g)
  • Strawberries(227g)
  • Tomato, Cherry(240g)
  • Avocado
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Cheese, Feta, Crumbled(180g)
  • Lemon Juice, Fresh(60g)
  • Olive oil(45g)

    Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.

  • Honey(30g)
  • Mustard, Dijon(5g)

    Dijon mustard — Grey Poupon or store brand. Spicier than yellow mustard.

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Toast the almonds: Add the almonds to a large skillet and heat over medium. Cook, stirring constantly to prevent burning, for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking and stirring until they are fragrant and just starting to turn golden, about 3 to 5 minutes more. Immediately transfer to a plate or bowl to cool.
  2. 2Place the sliced onion in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let sit while you prepare the rest of the salad (this keeps the flavor but removes the harsh onion bite).
  3. 3Make the dressing: In a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup with a spout, briskly whisk together the lemon juice, oil, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
  4. 4In a large bowl, place the romaine and spinach. Add the strawberries, tomatoes, and 1 of the avocados. Sprinkle with salt. Drain the red onion, pat it dry, and add it as well. Add the chicken. Spoon about half of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat (I find that clean hands are an ideal tool for tossing). Assess the amount of dressing. You want the leaves to be nicely moistened but not swimming in dressing. Add a little more if needed to suit your preferences.
  5. 5Add the remaining avocado, feta, and almonds. Toss again lightly to combine. Serve immediately, with extra dressing on the side as desired.

Nutrition — Per Serving

546

calories

24g

protein

38g

fat

Carbohydrates
38g
Saturated fat
8.9g
Sodium
741 mg
Dietary fiber
15.5g

4 servings per batch · ~707g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Grilled Chicken Salad have per serving?

Each serving contains 24g of protein with 546 calories, providing moderate protein density with a balanced macro profile. The breakdown includes 38g fat and 38g carbs per serving.

How long does Grilled Chicken Salad take to prep?

This is a quick prep recipe on the stovetop that batch-preps 4 servings, making it efficient for meal prep without extended cooking or assembly time.

Is Grilled Chicken Salad good for muscle gain?

At 24g protein and 546 calories per serving, this recipe can support muscle gain phases when combined with other high-protein meals throughout the day. The balanced carb-to-fat ratio provides energy for training while the protein contribution adds toward daily targets.

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