Balsamic Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that feels hearty enough to satisfy your hunger, yet fresh enough to leave you energised instead of heavy, let me introduce you to your new favourite recipe: Balsamic Chicken Salad.

This isn’t just another bowl of greens. It’s a vibrant, balanced, complete meal that will quickly become a weeknight staple in your home. Juicy balsamic-glazed chicken, fluffy quinoa, crisp greens, briny olives, creamy feta, and the brightness of fresh herbs combine to create a dish that is as nourishing as it is delicious.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: healthy eating should be simple, practical, and enjoyable. This recipe checks every box, whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch to fuel your afternoon or a quick, fresh dinner that feels like a treat without leaving you with a mountain of dishes.

WHY THIS SALAD WILL BECOME A STAPLE.

High-Protein, High-Satisfaction

Packed with lean protein from chicken and healthy fats from olives and feta, this salad will keep you feeling satisfied for hours. Adding quinoa provides slow-digesting carbohydrates and fibre, helping to balance blood sugar levels and support steady energy throughout your day.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something healthy, satisfying, and quick.

Versatile for All Seasons

Whether you’re craving something warm and comforting on a cool evening or something fresh and bright on a summer day, this salad adjusts beautifully to suit your needs.

Perfect for Meal Prep

The individual components store well in the fridge, making it a great option for batch prepping to simplify your week ahead. Assemble fresh when ready to eat, and you’ll have a delicious, nourishing meal in minutes.

BALSAMIC CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

400g (14 oz) chicken breast

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Juice of ½ lemon

1 clove garlic, crushed

Salt and pepper

For the Dressing:

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

For the Salad:

2 portions cooked quinoa

200g (7 oz) salad leaves (spinach, rocket, or mixed greens)

1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved

½ red onion, sliced

100g (3.5 oz) black olives

60g (2 oz) feta cheese, crumbled

4 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon wedges, to serve

STEP-BYSTEP INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Prepare the Quinoa

If you don’t already have cooked quinoa on hand, cook it according to package instructions. This typically involves rinsing the quinoa, adding it to a pot with double the amount of water, bringing it to a boil, then simmering until fluffy.

Tip: Double your quinoa batch and store the extra in the fridge for quick meals later in the week.

2. Cook the Balsamic Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it marinate while you prepare other ingredients, or marinate overnight for even more flavour.

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, add the chicken, and cook for around 5–7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

3. Prepare the Salad Ingredients

While the chicken is cooking, wash and dry your salad leaves, halve your cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion. Crumble the feta and chop the parsley.

4. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the Salad

Divide the cooked quinoa between four bowls. Layer the salad leaves, tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta. Top with the sliced balsamic chicken and drizzle with the dressing. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

SEASONAL VARIATIONS: WARM Vs COOL WEATHER.

Cool Weather Adaptation:

Serve the chicken and quinoa warm to create a comforting meal.

Add roasted vegetables like pumpkin, sweet potato, or carrots for extra warmth and heartiness.

Swap the fresh cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, deeper flavour.

Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a warming richness that ties everything together.

Warm Weather Adaptation:

Chill the quinoa and chicken after cooking to create a refreshing salad.

Add fresh herbs like basil, mint, or coriander for brightness.

Add sliced cucumber for extra crunch and hydration.

Serve with lemon wedges or a splash of fresh lemon juice for a zingy, refreshing finish.

HOW TO TURN THIS SALAD INTO A YEAR-ROUND MEAL HERO.

Warm Weather Salad:

• Make ahead in the morning, store in the fridge, and enjoy cold on a hot day.

• Pair with sparkling water infused with mint and lemon for a refreshing meal.

• Add avocado for creaminess and extra healthy fats.

Cool Weather Salad:

• Serve the salad while the chicken and quinoa are still warm.

• Pair with a cup of soup, such as my Roasted Tomato Soup for a cosy lunch or dinner.

• Add roasted veggies to make it even more filling and nourishing.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR EFFORTLESS HEALTHY EATING

Batch Cook Quinoa

Cook a large batch and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This will save you time and make healthy meals more accessible throughout the week.

Marinate Chicken Ahead of Time

Marinating the chicken overnight infuses it with flavour and reduces your prep time on busy days.

Prep Your Veggies

Wash, dry, and store your salad greens in a container lined with a paper towel to keep them fresh. Slice your veggies and store them separately for quick assembly.

Use Leftovers Creatively

If you have leftovers, use them in wraps or pita pockets for a grab-and-go lunch the next day. Add extra greens and a drizzle of dressing for freshness.

WHY THIS SALAD SUPPORTS YOUR HEALTH GOALS.

Eating well doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavour or spending hours in the kitchen. This Balsamic Chicken Salad is:

• High in protein and fibre, keeping you full and satisfied.

• Rich in nutrients, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the variety of vegetables.

• Balanced in healthy fats, supporting hormone health and satiety.

• Versatile, so you can adjust ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

• Quick and practical, making healthy eating fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.

BRINGING JOY BACK TO YOUR MEALS.

Healthy eating should feel joyful, flexible, and deeply satisfying. This salad is a reminder that nourishing your body can be:

Colourful and visually appealing.

Delicious with flavours that make you excited for your meals.

Simple, using ingredients you likely already have at home.

Flexible, adapting to your lifestyle and preferences.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Yes! Try brown rice, farro, or even cooked barley for variety.

Can I swap the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely. This salad works well with salmon, prawns, tofu, or chickpeas for a plant-based version.

How long will this salad keep?
The components will keep in the fridge for 3–4 days if stored separately. Assemble just before eating for best texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.

What type of feta should I use?
A block of Greek feta crumbled by hand provides the best flavour and texture.

FINAL THOUGHTS.

The Balsamic Chicken Salad isn’t just another salad recipe—it’s a blueprint for making healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable. It’s a meal that you’ll look forward to eating, a dish that you can rely on during your busiest weeks, and a beautiful, balanced option when you need to nourish your body without sacrificing flavour.

Whether you’re prepping it for a quick lunch, serving it as a light but satisfying dinner, or bringing it to a summer picnic, this salad delivers on every level.

READY TO MAKE IT?

I’d love to see your creations! If you try this Balsamic Chicken Salad, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. It makes my day seeing your healthy meals come to life in your kitchens.

For more practical, nourishing recipes that make healthy eating feel easy and joyful, explore the blog where you’ll find family-friendly meal prep ideas, nourishing snacks, and everyday recipes to simplify your week.

Here’s to enjoying healthy meals that fuel your body, support your goals, and bring a moment of calm and satisfaction to your busy days.