August 7, 2023
updated
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This salad comes together in as little as 20 minutes, making it a filling, healthy dinner option or a meal prepped office lunch. I share how below.
An Epic Salad with Blackened Chicken
The seasoning on this seared chicken makes the salad. Then, the toppings take it to another level, including cheese, fresh veggies, and avocado!
This Blackened Chicken Salad has it all! The seasoning gives the chicken breasts a smoky, slightly spicy taste while creating a super flavorful chicken. Gone are the days when you eat plain green lettuce salads for lunch! It’s worth adding blackened chicken for protein and flavor.
Combine this epic chicken with the classic lettuce and tomato duet, delicious mozzarella, and a delicate vinaigrette, and you get a ridiculously good meal you can serve for dinner in 20 minutes, meal prep for the office -so press pause on your adult lunchables for a bit.
Ingredients
Mix blackened chicken with fresh and yummy ingredients, and your salad rotation will never be the same!
Here´s what makes this epic salad:
- Chicken breasts: skinless, boneless chicken breasts are lighter, but thighs work too.
- Blackened seasoning: store-bought or the one I link in the recipe card. It’s spicy, smoky, savory… an epic strong flavor that makes this salad unique!
- Butter: for searing the chicken. You can use olive oil instead.
- Romaine: the green base of this salad.
- Avocado: a creamy addition for texture, flavor, and nutrition.
- Cherry tomatoes: or grape, heirloom, or any other tomato that’s ripe (in season) where you are.
- Mini mozzarella (Bocconcini): tiny bits of cheese in every bite! Cubed mozzarella also works.
- Basil: adds fresh flavor and aroma.
- White wine or Champagne vinaigrette: use the store-bought version or prep the easy homemade version I share with you.
You’ll find the measurements for this recipe in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make A Blackened Chicken Salad
Making this delicious Blackened Chicken Salad is as simple as cooking the chicken in a skillet and mixing it with the other ingredients. Enjoy it at dinner and pack leftovers for lunch!
Check the step-by-step:
- Prep the chicken
On a flat surface, pat dry the chicken breasts. Distribute the blackened seasoning on both sides of the chicken breasts. - Cook the chicken
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, melt the butter. Place the chicken breasts on the pan and cook the first side for 7 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 7 minutes on the other side, until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Cooking time on the second side will vary by the thickness of the chicken breast. - Let the chicken rest
Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pan onto a board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. - Assemble the salad
Meanwhile, assemble the salad bowl by layering the chopped Romaine, topping it with cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, sliced avocados, and sliced blackened chicken breasts. - Add the dressing
Drizzle ½ cup dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Add more salad dressing if desired.
Best Dressings for Salad with Blackened Chicken
Store-bought or homemade, a vinaigrette pairs best with this blackened chicken salad. You’ll find the mild Champagne Vinaigrette below, or pair it with a simple Balsamic Vinaigrette, a delicious Maple Dijon Vinaigrette, make a Blended Red Wine Vinaigrette, or go light on a classic Ranch Dressing.
How to Prep This Salad for Work Lunches
This Blackened Chicken Salad is one of those simple and tasty meals you can prep ahead and have ready to grab and go on busy days.
Here’s how so it stays fresh:
- Layer all the salad ingredients inside 4 meal prep containers except for the sliced avocado.
- Pack about 2 tablespoons of salad dressing inside four small, lidded containers.
- On the morning of, slice ¼ of an avocado and pack it inside the lunch container.
- Drizzle the dressing right before enjoying it for lunch.
Blackened Chicken Salad from your Dreams
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 ½ teaspoons blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 large head of romaine, washed and chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¾ cup bocconcini mini mozzarella, halved
- ¼ cup basil shreds
- ⅓ cup white wine or Champagne vinaigrette
For the vinaigrette:
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- ¼ cup champagne vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
The dressing:
- If making the vinaigrette, combine all the ingredients and refrigerate it for up to 7 days or until ready to use.
Make the epic blackened chicken:
- On a flat surface, pat dry the chicken breasts. Distribute the seasoning on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, melt the butter. Place the chicken breasts on the pan and cook the first side for 7 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 7 minutes on the other side, until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Cooking time on the second side will vary by the thickness of the chicken breast.
- Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pan onto a board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Build the dream salad:
- Assemble the salad in a large bowl by layering the chopped Romaine, topping it with cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, sliced avocados, and sliced chicken breasts.
- Drizzle ½ cup salad dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Add more salad dressing if desired.
For Meal Prep:
- Layer all the salad ingredients inside 4 meal prep containers except for the sliced avocado. Pack about 2 tablespoons of salad dressing inside four small, lidded containers. On the morning of, slice ¼ of an avocado and pack it inside the lunch container. Drizzle salad dressing at lunch.
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