Grilled Plum and Spinach Chicken Salad (Printable)
Vibrant summer salad with grilled plums, tender chicken, fresh spinach and basil in honey-balsamic dressing.
# List of ingredients:
→ Protein
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 10.5 ounces total)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Fruit
04 - 4 ripe plums, halved and pitted
→ Greens & Herbs
05 - 4 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
06 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
→ Toppings
07 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
08 - 1/4 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
→ Dressing
09 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon honey
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
02 - Brush chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
03 - Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
04 - While chicken rests, arrange plum halves cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly charred and softened. Remove and set aside for slicing.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
06 - In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, basil, grilled plums, sliced chicken, feta cheese, and pecans.
07 - Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The honey-balsamic dressing strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making every bite feel like a discovery
- Grilling the plums transforms them from ordinary fruit into something smoky and concentrated that pairs unexpectedly well with fresh basil
02 -
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps all those juices inside instead of running onto your cutting board
- Don't overdress the salad, start with half the dressing and add more as needed
03 -
- If your plums are very firm, cut them into smaller wedges before grilling to help them soften faster
- Toast extra pecans and store them in an airtight container for quick salad toppings all week