Grilled Nectarine Arugula Chicken Salad (Printable)
Grilled nectarines, sliced chicken, arugula, basil, feta and toasted almonds, finished with honey-balsamic dressing.
# List of ingredients:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Fruits & Greens
05 - 3 ripe nectarines, halved and pitted
06 - 6 cups baby arugula (5 ounces)
07 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
→ Cheese & Nuts
08 - 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
09 - 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
→ Dressing
10 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon honey
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
02 - Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Grill each breast for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Transfer to a cutting board, allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - Lightly brush nectarine halves with olive oil. Place cut side down on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until grill marks appear and the fruit has softened slightly. Slice each half into wedges.
04 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is fully emulsified.
05 - In a large bowl, combine baby arugula, torn basil leaves, grilled chicken slices, grilled nectarine wedges, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted sliced almonds.
06 - Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all components. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This salad tucks summer onto every forkful—juicy, smoky, sweet, and just a bit peppery.
- It’s hearty enough for a main dish that never feels heavy, thanks to grilled chicken and plenty of greens.
02 -
- If you rush and slice chicken before it rests, you’ll lose all the juiciness you’ve worked for.
- Grilling nectarines while they’re too firm means they won’t turn soft and caramelized—choose ripe, not hard.
03 -
- Keep a close watch when toasting nuts—they can surprise you and turn from golden to burnt in moments.
- Don’t be shy with the fresh basil; tearing it right before adding releases its flavor best.