Best 8 Spring Chicken Salad Recipes

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Spring chicken salad is a refreshing and healthy lunch option that is perfect for the warmer months. Made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a light dressing, this salad is packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you're enjoying it as a quick work lunch or as a light dinner, spring chicken salad is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

SPRING CHICKEN AND PEA SALAD



Spring Chicken and Pea Salad image

My endive, radicchio and chicken salad with a dash of mint jelly dressing makes a wonderful meal for a luncheon or light dinner. -Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup fresh peas
2 cups torn curly or Belgian endive
2 cups torn radicchio
2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup sliced radishes
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, torn
DRESSING:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon mint jelly
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Toasted pine nuts, optional

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add peas; cover and cook 5-8 minutes or until tender., Drain peas; place in a large bowl. Add endive, radicchio, chicken, radishes, onion and mint. In a small saucepan, combine oil, lemon zest, juice, jelly, garlic, salt and pepper; cook and stir over medium-low heat 4-6 minutes or until jelly is melted. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat. If desired, sprinkle with pine nuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 calories, Fat 12g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 225mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SPRING CHICKEN DINNER SALAD



Spring Chicken Dinner Salad image

Poaching skinless, boneless chicken breasts in well-salted water yields impossibly juicy and flavorful meat that won't dry out

Provided by Kat Boytsova

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dinner     Chicken     Salad     Green Bean     Radish     Lettuce     Avocado     Basil     Poach     Spring     Soy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Healthy     Quick & Easy     Kid-Friendly

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1¼ lb. total)
3 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 3½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
1 lemon, halved
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
8 oz. green beans, trimmed
1 large head of Bibb lettuce
1 small bunch chives, sliced into (2"-long) pieces
1 cup basil leaves
1 bunch radishes, trimmed, halved, cut into wedges if large
1 cup torn peperoncini
1 avocado, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Place chicken in a large saucepan and pour in 4 cups cold water to cover; add 3 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 3½ tsp. Morton kosher salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then immediately turn over chicken with tongs. Cover pot, remove from heat, and let chicken sit until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 150°F, 5-10 minutes (depending on thickness of breast). Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, squeeze lemon halves into a medium bowl. Whisk in mustard, then gradually stream in oil, whisking constantly until dressing is thick and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Using a rolling pin, whack green beans on a cutting board until skins split and insides are softened but not pulverized.
  • Transfer beans to a medium bowl and drizzle in 2 Tbsp. dressing. Massage beans with your hands to break down further and coat; season with salt.
  • Separate lettuce leaves; toss in another medium bowl with chives and basil. Arrange on a platter.
  • Toss radishes, peperoncini, and 1 Tbsp. dressing in the same bowl; season with salt. Slice chicken ¼"-½" thick; season with pepper. Arrange chicken, radish salad, green beans, and avocado on platter with lettuce as desired. Drizzle with more dressing; serve remaining dressing alongside.

GREEK CHICKEN, GARDEN VEGETABLE AND SPRING MIX SALAD



Greek Chicken, Garden Vegetable and Spring Mix Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 pkg. (8 oz.) DOLE® Extra Veggie™ with Garden Vegetables
1 cup canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup whole ripe pitted olives
1/2 cup thinly sliced DOLE Red Onion
Greek Vinaigrette, recipe follows
1/4 to 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Greek Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon dried oregano crushed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Brush chicken breasts with oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place chicken in 2-quart shallow baking dish; bake 25 to 30 minutes or until no longer pink in center (165 degrees F.). Cool chicken enough to handle; slice into thin strips.
  • Combine salad blend, vegetables from pouch, garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, olives and red onion in large bowl. Toss with Greek Vinaigrette, to taste. Divide salad mixture on 4 large plates. Top each with sliced chicken. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
  • Greek Vinaigrette:
  • Whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel, 1 teaspoon dried oregano crushed, salt and black pepper, to taste until well blended. Makes about 1 cup.

SPRING ASPARAGUS CHICKEN SALAD



Spring Asparagus Chicken Salad image

From a Betty Crocker Booklet from 1992. Very nice salad with the addition of the aspargus and nuts. You can use either white or green asparagus. Allow at least 2 hours of chilling time before being able to serve.

Provided by HokiesMom

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 2h10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice
2 cups chicken, cooked and cut up
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 cup asparagus spear, cooked & cut into 1 inch pieces
romaine lettuce or red leaf lettuce leaf

Steps:

  • Drain pineapple and reserve 1 tbls of the juice for later.
  • Mix chicken, walnuts, almonds and pineapple in medium bowl.
  • Mix reserved pineapple juice and mayonaisse until smooth.
  • Toss mayonaisse mixture with chicken mixture.
  • Fold in asparagus.
  • Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.
  • Serve on lettuce leaves.

CRISP CHICKEN SCHNITZEL WITH LEMONY SPRING HERB SALAD



CRISP CHICKEN SCHNITZEL WITH LEMONY SPRING HERB SALAD image

Categories     Chicken

Yield 3 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

6 anchovy fillets
1 small garlic clove
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
7 to 9 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, to taste
2 eggs beaten
1 1/2 cups panko or other unseasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup flour
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/4 pounds chicken cutlets, pounded to 1/8 inch thick
Safflower, peanut or vegetable oil for frying
2 quarts mixed baby greens
2 cups soft herb leaves, like a combination of mint, tarragon, basil, parsley, cilantro, chervil, chives (try to use at least 3 kinds)
1 scallion, thinly sliced, including greens

Steps:

  • 1. Mince anchovies and garlic and mix with a large pinch of salt until you get a rough paste. Put in a bowl and whisk in the lemon zest juice and another pinch of salt and some pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil. 2. Place eggs in one shallow disy, bread crumbs in another, and flour mixed with cayenne and nutmeg in a third. Season chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper. 3. Heat 1/8 inch oil in a large skillet. While oil heats, dip cutlets one by one into flour (shake off any excess), then into eggs (ditto) and finally into the bread crumbs, taking care not to handle chicken more than necessary (hold meat by ends). 4. When oil sizzles when a pinch of bread crumbs is thrown in, add a chicken cutlet (or two if your skillet is large, leave plenty of room around them). Swirl pan so oil cascades over top of cutlet in waves. When bottom is golden brown about 3 minutes, flip and brown the other side, swirling pan (swirling helps create air pockets, giving you lighter schnitzel). Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking platter or baking tray and sprinkle with more salt. Repeat with remaining chicken. 5. Toss salad greens and herbs with just enough anchovy-lemon dressing to lightly coat them. Divide salad on serving plates and top with schnitel. Drizzle with more dressing and granish with scallions.

SPRING SALAD WITH CRISPY CHICKEN AND BACONY CROUTONS



Spring Salad with Crispy Chicken and Bacony Croutons image

The rich flavors of crispy, tender chicken and smoky bacon complement the fresh, bright notes of this hearty dinner salad perfect for two.

Provided by Mindy Fox

Categories     Dinner     Chicken     Spring     Salad     Escarole     Bacon     Bread     Shallot     Fennel     Mint     Quick & Easy

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 1 pound)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
4 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1" pieces (about 3 strips)
3 ounces country-style bread, sliced 3/4" thick, torn into misshapen 1" pieces (about 2 cups)
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided
1 shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh shelled or frozen peas (2 ounces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups trimmed escarole or frisée, torn into small pieces (about 3 ounces)
1/2 small fennel bulb, cored, thinly sliced
2 medium radishes, thinly sliced
1/3 cup mint leaves, torn if large

Steps:

  • Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 475ºF. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Using kitchen shears, remove bones, keeping skin and flesh intact; discard bones. Season chicken all over with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper.
  • Heat a medium cast-iron or heavy ovenproof skillet over medium-high until hot but not smoking. Sear chicken skin side down, undisturbed, 2 minutes. Continue to cook, turning occasionally, until fat renders and skin is golden brown, 4-6 minutes more. Transfer chicken to a plate. Carefully pour off all but 2 tsp. fat and wipe off any fat that drips onto side or bottom of skillet. Return chicken to skillet skin side up. Transfer to oven and roast chicken, tenting skillet with foil if skin becomes too dark halfway through, until skin crisps and meat is cooked through, 8-12 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until just crispy, 4-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a large heatproof bowl. Pour off all but 2 Tbsp. fat. Heat fat in skillet over medium. Add bread in an even layer, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook, turning pieces occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat; add 1 Tbsp. vinegar and toss until absorbed. Let cool a few minutes, then taste and season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer croutons to bowl with bacon.
  • Remove chicken from oven and transfer to a plate; reserve skillet with fat and pan drippings. Let chicken cool 5-10 minutes, then cut into 1" pieces.
  • Cook shallot, peas, 1/8 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper in reserved skillet over medium-low heat, stirring, until shallots are softened and peas are cooked, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in oil and remaining 2 Tbsp. vinegar (mixture will bubble) with a heatproof spatula. (If you want to ensure bright green peas, cook them separately in a small saucepan of boiling water or in the microwave and sprinkle over top of salad after plating.)
  • Add escarole, fennel, and radishes to bowl with bacon and croutons. Pour warm dressing over. Toss to combine and slightly wilt greens.
  • Mound salad among plates; nestle in chicken pieces. Top with mint. Serve immediately.

CHICKEN AND SPRING-VEGETABLE SALAD



Chicken and Spring-Vegetable Salad image

Nonfat buttermilk and yogurt replace mayonnaise in this Chicken and Spring-Vegetable Salad, made with fresh peas and artichoke hearts.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 16

5 1/4 cups Homemade Chicken Stock or 3 cans low-sodium chicken stock, skimmed of fat
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 small onion
2 whole skinless and boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup nonfat buttermilk
3 tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound snow peas, strings removed, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces
1 pound fresh peas, shelled (1 cup)
1 bunch asparagus (1 pound), ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch lengths
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
1 head, Boston lettuce

Steps:

  • Place stock, bay leaves, peppercorns, and onion in a large saucepan, and bring to a boil. Add chicken breasts, and simmer until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken and stock to a bowl to cool.
  • Combine buttermilk, yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Remove chicken from stock mixture, setting aside liquid for soup. Cut chicken into 3/4-inch chunks, and add to buttermilk mixture. Stir to combine.
  • Fill a bowl with water and ice. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add snow peas. Cook until bright green and tender, about 1 minute. Remove with slotted spoon, and transfer to the ice bath. Add fresh peas to boiling water, and cook until bright green and tender, about 1 minute. Remove with slotted spoon, and transfer to the ice bath with snow peas. Add asparagus to boiling water, and cook until bright green and tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon, and transfer to the ice bath. When all the vegetables are cool, drain, and transfer to paper towels to dry. Add to chicken mixture; toss to combine. Add artichoke hearts and mint. Divide lettuce leaves among six plates, and fill with chicken salad.

SPRING CHICKEN SALAD



SPRING CHICKEN SALAD image

Categories     Bean

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 pound small red-skinned potatoes, halved
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
Freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 romaine hearts, torn
1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed and meat shredded
(about 2 cups)
1 Kirby cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced
4 radishes, cut into wedges
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Place the potatoes in a small pot and cover with water. Season with salt, cover and boil until fork-tender, about 6 minutes. Drain and cool. Meanwhile, pulse the chives, tarragon, vinegar, yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and pulse to make a thick dressing. Toss the romaine, potatoes, chicken, cucumber, radishes and bell pepper with the dressing in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

### Tips:
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and tender chicken will make a world of difference in your salad.
  • Choose the Right Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein option. If you want to cook your own chicken, bake or grill it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Make Your Own Dressing: Homemade salad dressings are always better than store-bought. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and flavorful dressing that perfectly complements your salad.
  • Add Some Crunch: Add some crunchy elements to your salad, such as chopped nuts, crispy bacon, or croutons. This will add texture and interest to the dish.
  • Don't Overdress the Salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Too much dressing can overwhelm the other flavors in the salad and make it soggy.
  • Serve Immediately: Chicken salad is best served immediately after it is made. If you need to make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
### Conclusion:

Spring chicken salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of spring. Whether you are looking for a healthy meal or a delicious side dish, spring chicken salad is sure to please everyone at your table.

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