California Grape and Chicken Salad with Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
A refreshing and nutritious California Grape and Chicken Salad featuring tender grilled chicken, sweet California grapes, creamy avocado, and a zesty lemon-balsamic vinaigrette, perfect for a light lunch or dinner served with whole grain artisan bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for grilling chicken)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
For the Salad
- 1 pound grilled or broiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
- 2 cups halved or quartered California grapes
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 3 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon or packaged real bacon pieces
- 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
To Serve
- 6 slices whole grain artisan bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, fresh minced garlic, pinch of salt, and chopped fresh basil until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the chopped grilled chicken, halved or quartered California grapes, chopped red onion, and crumbled bacon into the bowl with the vinaigrette. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This mixture can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Add Avocado and Season: When ready to serve, gently fold in the diced avocado into the salad and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste, taking care not to mash the avocado.
- Serve: Serve the California Grape and Chicken Salad accompanied by slices of whole grain artisan bread, making for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day ahead but add avocado just before serving to maintain its freshness and prevent browning.
- Grilled or broiled chicken can be substituted with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and basil in the vinaigrette to suit personal taste preferences.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- Using California grapes enhances the sweetness and flavor balance in the salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup salad with 1 slice of bread)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: California grape chicken salad, lemon balsamic vinaigrette, grilled chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, California grapes recipe
