Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make salad recipe? Look no further than the Whole Foods Blackened Chicken Salad Recipe!
This recipe is a personal favorite of mine, combining the bold flavors of blackened chicken with the fresh, crisp taste of a well-crafted salad.
Inspired by the popular dish from Whole Foods, I’ve put my twist on it, making it perfect for anyone who loves a bit of spice and many flavors.
The blackened spice and chicken are the key to this salad’s irresistible taste. When cooked, the chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices that create a savory, slightly spicy crust.
Paired with the freshness of the greens and the tangy dressing, each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also healthy. Packed with protein from the chicken and various nutrients from the greens and vegetables, it’s a meal that will fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this blackened chicken salad is sure to be a hit.
Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious salad!
Whole Foods Blackened Chicken Salad Recipe
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
- Yield: 4
- Calories: 270 Kal (Approximately)
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tbsp blackening seasoning (mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prepare The Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with blackening seasoning. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes each side or until fully cooked and blackened. Let it cool, then slice it into strips.
Make The Dressing
Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning as per your taste.
Assemble The Salad
Combine the salad greens, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado in a large bowl. Add the sliced chicken and feta cheese on top.
Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together to coat the salad evenly with the dressing.
Tips And Tricks
Use a well-balanced spice blend for the chicken, ensuring it includes fresh ingredients like paprika and garlic powder.
Prepare the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking and sear it in a very hot skillet to achieve a blackened crust.
Avoid overcrowding the pan. Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain its juices. Use fresh, thoroughly washed, and dried greens for the salad.
Balance the dressing with the right mix of acidity and sweetness. Toss the salad gently to coat it with dressing evenly, serve immediately for the best flavor, and feel free to customize it with additional ingredients like avocado or nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Whole Foods Blackened Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens, accompanied by slices of crusty bread or garlic toast.
Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or a light soup for a more complete meal. Garnish with avocado slices, a feta or goat cheese sprinkle, and a few lemon wedges for added flavor and presentation.
This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Top with additional protein like boiled eggs or nuts for a heartier option. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or a light dinner.
Conclusion
This salad is a healthy and delicious, featuring tender blackened chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
It provides lean protein, essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Avocado offers healthy fats, and using whole ingredients reduces processed additives.
Whether you’re aiming for a balanced diet, weight management, or simply a flavorful meal, this salad is a satisfying and nutritious option.
Comment to share your salad-making experience and provide a rating. If you find this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friend.
Enjoy your food!
FAQS
What Can I Use Instead Of Blackening Seasoning?
You can mix cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a similar flavor.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Dressing?
Yes! Choose a dressing that suits your taste, whether it’s vinaigrette, ranch, or your favorite homemade dressing.
How Long Will Leftovers Last In The Refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Can I Adjust The Level Of Spiciness In The Blackened Chicken?
Yes! Adjust the amount of blackening seasoning to control the spiciness to your preference.
Are There Gluten-Free Options For This Salad?
Yes, use gluten-free croutons, or make sure the dressing and seasonings are gluten-free if needed.
Can I Make A Larger Batch For A Crowd?
Certainly, scale up the ingredients as needed to serve a larger group and assemble the salad just before serving.
Whole Foods Blackened Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 tbsp blackening seasoning mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Mixed salad greens lettuce, spinach, arugula
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 1 avocado sliced
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare The Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with blackening seasoning. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes each side or until fully cooked and blackened. Let it cool, then slice it into strips.
- Make The Dressing: Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning as per your taste.
- Assemble The Salad: Combine the salad greens, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado in a large bowl. Add the sliced chicken and feta cheese on top.
- Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together to coat the salad evenly with the dressing.
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