Grilled Chicken Breast & Bean Salad
Description
This hearty Grilled Chicken Breast & Bean Salad offers a perfect balance of protein and fiber, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a light lunch. The dish combines tender, mustard-marinated chicken with a colorful mix of kidney, garbanzo, and black-eyed peas. Fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, red onion, and aromatic herbs such as thyme and oregano bring brightness and depth to every bite. Finished with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It is versatile, healthy, and easy to prepare with pantry staples.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat your broiler or prepare an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
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Spread well-seasoned mustard on one side of the chicken breasts.
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Broil or grill the chicken mustard-side down until it begins to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
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Turn the chicken over, spread additional mustard on the other side, and cook until the chicken is done and reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C), about 5-7 more minutes.
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Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then cut into narrow strips and place in a large serving bowl.
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Cook the frozen black-eyed peas according to package directions, ensuring they are tender but not mushy, typically no more than 15 minutes.
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Drain the cooked black-eyed peas thoroughly.
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Drain and rinse the canned kidney, garbanzo, and white beans thoroughly under cold water.
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Add the drained black-eyed peas and canned beans to the bowl with the chicken.
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Add the finely chopped red onion, coarsely chopped tomatoes, fresh thyme, fresh oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes to the bowl.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar until emulsified.
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Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
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Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 450mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 12g48%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 35g70%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after chilling for a few hours.
Substitutions: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the quantity of beans. You can also use dried herbs (1 teaspoon dried thyme and oregano) if fresh are unavailable.
Tips: Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. If using a broiler, keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning due to the sugar in the mustard.
Variations: Add chopped cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.