If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious meal, the Grilled Market Salad Recipe is a perfect choice. This salad is packed with grilled chicken, mixed greens, fresh fruits, nuts, and a delightful apple cider vinaigrette. Recreating this Grilled Market Salad at home is simple, and with a few fresh ingredients, you can enjoy it any time.
Not only does this salad provide a balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, but it also delivers significant health benefits. The fruits included are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which are vital for your overall well-being. For more information on the health benefits of fruits like blueberries, check out this Healthline article on blueberries. Similarly, adding protein to your diet with grilled chicken helps build muscle and keeps you feeling full longer. To dive deeper into the benefits of protein, visit Harvard Health’s guide on protein.
This recipe allows you to recreate the Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad at home with ease. By using fresh ingredients, you can control the quality and flavors, making it a versatile and customizable dish.
What You Need for the Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad
Creating this delicious salad starts with sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make your very own Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad at home:
1. Grilled Chicken
The foundation of this salad is lean grilled chicken breast. For the best flavor, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil, and then grill it to perfection. You can also marinate the chicken in a blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for extra flavor.
2. Mixed Greens
The base of the salad consists of mixed salad greens, which typically include romaine lettuce, baby spinach, and a variety of spring mix greens. These greens provide fiber, vitamins, and a range of nutrients, making them an essential part of the salad.
3. Fresh Fruits
What sets the Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad apart is the inclusion of fresh fruits. Slices of apple, strawberries, and blueberries add a refreshing sweetness and a pop of color. These fruits are also rich in antioxidants, helping to protect your body from free radicals.
4. Blue Cheese Crumbles
For an added tangy and creamy flavor, this salad incorporates blue cheese crumbles. Blue cheese contrasts well with the sweetness of the fruits and the savory flavor of the grilled chicken. If you prefer something milder, substitute it with feta or goat cheese.
5. Harvest Nut Granola
Granola might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of salad toppings, but it adds a unique crunch to the Grilled Market Salad. Chick-fil-A uses harvest nut granola, but you can easily use store-bought granola or make your own mix with oats, honey, almonds, and pecans.
6. Roasted Almonds
To complement the granola, the salad also features roasted almonds. Lightly toasting almonds enhances their flavor and provides healthy fats that are good for heart health. You can also use other roasted nuts like pecans or walnuts.
7. Apple Cider Vinaigrette
To bring all the flavors together, this salad is dressed with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. The vinaigrette is light, flavorful, and easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients for the Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad
Let’s break down how to make the Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled and sliced)
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, baby spinach, and spring mix)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 apple (sliced thin)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (or feta cheese)
- 1/4 cup harvest nut granola (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons roasted almonds
For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Grill the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
2. Prepare the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, toss together the romaine, baby spinach, and spring mix greens. Ensure the greens are fresh and thoroughly washed for the best texture and flavor.
3. Add the Fresh Fruits
Top the salad greens with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and apple slices. The fresh fruit adds natural sweetness, balancing the savory flavors of the chicken and blue cheese.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese and Nuts
Crumble the blue cheese (or feta) over the salad, followed by the harvest nut granola and roasted almonds. These toppings give the salad a wonderful crunch and contrast with the soft fruits.
5. Make the Apple Cider Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
6. Assemble the Salad
Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad, and serve immediately. The combination of fresh greens, sweet fruits, tangy cheese, and crunchy toppings makes this salad a satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information for Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for one serving of the Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad (without dressing):
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 29 grams
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Sodium: 680 mg
Adding the apple cider vinaigrette will increase the calories slightly, but it remains a healthy, low-calorie meal that’s rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. If you’re looking to reduce sodium or fat intake, you can adjust the amount of cheese and nuts used.
Health Benefits of Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad
1. High in Protein
The grilled chicken in this salad is a great source of lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer. Protein is also important for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
The fresh fruits in this salad—strawberries, blueberries, and apples—are packed with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
3. Excellent Source of Fiber
Both the fruits and the mixed greens provide a healthy amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports weight management.
4. Healthy Fats
The roasted almonds and the olive oil in the vinaigrette provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats can help lower bad cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Tips for Perfecting the Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad
To make sure your homemade Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad is as good as—or better than—the restaurant version, follow these tips:
1. Marinate the Chicken
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This step adds depth to the grilled chicken and makes it even juicier.
2. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
To get the best flavor from your salad, use the freshest ingredients possible. Fresh fruits and greens will make a big difference in taste and texture.
3. Toast the Nuts
Lightly toasting the almonds before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor and makes them crunchier. You can roast them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
4. Make Your Own Granola
While store-bought granola works well, making your own granola can elevate the salad. Combine oats, almonds, pecans, and a drizzle of honey, then bake until golden brown.
Creative Variations of Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad
If you want to customize the Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad or try new variations, here are a few ideas:
1. Add Quinoa
For a heartier salad, add a cup of cooked quinoa or farro. Both grains are high in protein and fiber and make the salad more filling.
2. Try Different Fruits
Depending on the season, swap the apples, strawberries, or blueberries with other fruits like pears, grapes, or pomegranate seeds.
3. Use a Different Protein
Instead of chicken, try using grilled salmon, shrimp, or tofu. These protein options pair well with the other salad ingredients and provide variety.
4. Experiment with Other Dressings
While the apple cider vinaigrette is light and tangy, feel free to experiment with other dressings. A balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing would also work well.
Conclusion: A Nutritious and Flavorful Salad at Home
The Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad is a perfect combination of fresh greens, lean protein, and nutrient-rich fruits. By making this salad at home, you can enjoy all the flavors and health benefits without the trip to the restaurant. Whether you serve it for lunch or dinner, this salad is sure to satisfy.
For more healthy salad ideas, check out Allrecipes’ healthy salad collection for more inspiration.