Are you ready to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Spring Green Salad with Blackberries, Grilled Chicken, and Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is not just a salad—it's a vibrant symphony of flavors that will revolutionize your lunch or dinner routine. Imagine tender grilled chicken, juicy blackberries, and crisp spring greens coming together in a tantalizing dance, all dressed in a zesty lemon poppy seed vinaigrette that will make your palate sing with joy!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 lb grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1/4 cup lemon poppy seed dressing
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Wash the mixed spring greens thoroughly under cold water, then spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- Rinse the blackberries gently under cold water and allow them to drain in a colander. Be careful not to crush them.
- For the grilled chicken, if you haven't already cooked it, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer, such as garlic powder or paprika.
- Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the lemon poppy seed dressing. If you have a store-bought dressing, simply measure out 1/4 cup. If you are making your own, whisk together fresh lemon juice, honey, olive oil, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed spring greens, blackberries, and chopped walnuts. Toss gently to mix the ingredients without crushing the blackberries.
- Once the chicken has rested and been sliced, add it to the salad bowl. Drizzle the lemon poppy seed dressing over the salad, using the full 1/4 cup, and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl, garnishing with extra blackberries or walnuts if desired. Enjoy your refreshing Spring Green Salad with Blackberries, Grilled Chicken, and Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing!
Tips
- Choose the freshest spring greens possible for maximum flavor and crunch.
- When grilling chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy and tender.
- Handle blackberries gently to prevent bruising and maintain their delicate texture.
- For an extra flavor boost, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- If making homemade dressing, prepare it in advance to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 574kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 43g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 105mg
