This Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad is bursting with flavors and goodness! Tender chicken, protein-packed chickpeas, and fresh veggies make it a healthy choice for any meal.
I love how colorful and crunchy this salad is! Toss it with your favorite dressing, and you have a filling dish that’s as tasty as it is good for you. Perfect for lunch or dinner! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for a lean protein option. If you’re looking for a quicker alternative, rotisserie chicken is perfect. Just shred it and add it to the salad!
Chickpeas: These little gems pack a protein punch! If you’re not into chickpeas, white beans or black beans can work well too, but they’ll change the flavor a bit.
Kale or Mixed Greens: I love using kale for its crunch and nutrition. If kale isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it for spinach, arugula, or any other leafy green you prefer.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice tang to the salad. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan feta or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version!
Olive Oil: It’s the key to flavoring the chicken and dressing. You can substitute it with avocado oil or a different oil, depending on your taste or dietary needs.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Juicy and Flavorsome?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but with a few steps, you can ensure it’s juicy and packed with flavor:
- Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. It adds a great depth of flavor!
- Heat the skillet before adding the oil. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken.
- Cook over medium heat and avoid flipping too often. This helps to keep the juices inside.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This step helps lock in moisture!
By following these tips, your chicken will turn out perfectly every time, adding the right touch to your salad!
Delicious Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups kale or mixed leafy greens, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- For Cooking the Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- For the Dressing:
- 1 lemon (for juice)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Time Needed:
This Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the chicken and another 20 minutes to mix everything together and make the dressing. Quick, easy, and healthy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder on both sides. This flavors the chicken beautifully!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the juices run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
3. Rest and Slice the Chicken:
After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Once it’s slightly cooled, slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped kale or mixed leafy greens, drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, green bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful mix is packed with nutrients!
5. Add Chicken and Feta:
Place the sliced chicken on top of the salad mixture. Then, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over everything. Yum!
6. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of one lemon, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed; it should be tangy and delicious!
7. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Make sure everything is well coated with the dressing.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for added flavor. Serve the salad immediately and enjoy your nutritious and flavorful Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works great. Just shred or slice it and toss it into the salad. It’s a fantastic way to use up any extras!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the chicken and feta cheese. You can replace the chicken with additional chickpeas or even marinated tofu for a protein boost. Use a dairy-free feta or skip the cheese altogether!
Can I Prepare the Salad in Advance?
Definitely! You can prep all the ingredients (except the dressing) a day ahead. Just keep the greens separate to avoid wilting. Mix in the dressing right before serving for the best flavor and freshness.
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, you can substitute them with black beans, white beans, or even lentils. Just make sure they are cooked and drained if using canned!
