Healthy, Delicious, and Perfect for Clean Eating
Looking for a light, protein-packed meal that’s as flavorful as it is healthy? This Paleo Grilled Chicken Salad is the ultimate go-to. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick lunch, this easy recipe keeps you satisfied and energized. Plus, it’s 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of whole-food ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Paleo Grilled Chicken Salad
This salad isn’t just another bowl of greens—it’s a well-balanced mix of lean protein, crisp veggies, and healthy fats. Perfect for anyone following a Paleo lifestyle, or just looking for a refreshing and nourishing meal.
Benefits at a Glance:
• High in protein
• Full of vitamins and minerals
• Whole30 and Paleo-friendly
• Easy to prep in under 30 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
To keep it Paleo, we’re focusing on clean, natural ingredients:
For the Grilled Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Juice of half a lemon
For the Salad Base:
• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
For the Paleo Dressing:
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (ensure it’s Paleo-compliant)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step: How to Make Paleo Grilled Chicken Salad
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing.
3. Prep the Salad
While the chicken rests, assemble your salad base. Toss mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
4. Make the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until well combined.
5. Assemble and Serve
Top the salad with grilled chicken slices and drizzle with the homemade Paleo dressing. Toss lightly and serve fresh!
Tips to Make It Even Better
• Add roasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or turkey to change it up.
• Meal prepping? Store ingredients separately and mix just before serving.
Is Grilled Chicken Salad Good for Paleo?
Absolutely! It’s one of the best Paleo-friendly meals. You get clean protein, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and a variety of nutrient-rich vegetables. Just remember to skip dairy-based dressings and opt for a Paleo-approved homemade version like the one above.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to personalize this salad with seasonal veggies, herbs, or even fruit like berries or sliced apples. Eating clean doesn’t have to be boring—it can be creative and flavorful too!
Final Thoughts
This Paleo Grilled Chicken Salad proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. It’s fresh, filling, and fast to prepare. Whether you’re following Paleo or simply want a nutritious meal option, this salad has you covered.