California Grape and Chicken Salad with Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
A refreshing California Grape and Chicken Salad tossed in a tangy lemon-balsamic vinaigrette, featuring juicy California grapes, tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, smoky bacon, and crisp red onion. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying lunch served on its own or as a sandwich on whole grain artisan bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if grilling chicken fresh)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
For the Salad
- 1 pound grilled or broiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
- 2 cups halved or quartered California grapes
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 3 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon or packaged real bacon pieces
- 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 6 slices whole grain artisan bread
Instructions
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, fresh minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and chopped fresh basil until well emulsified.
- Prepare the Chicken: Use pre-grilled or broiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for mixing into the salad.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, halved or quartered California grapes, chopped red onion, cooked and crumbled bacon pieces, and diced avocado.
- Toss with Vinaigrette: Pour the lemon-balsamic vinaigrette over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately on its own or scoop onto slices of whole grain artisan bread to make sandwiches for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for a satisfying and flavorful lunch, either alone or in a sandwich.
- California grapes add a crisp and natural sweetness that complements the savory chicken, avocado, and smoky bacon.
- Ideal for meal prep or an easy meal anytime.
- This recipe may help support heart, brain, and immune health.
- Dairy-free recipe.
Keywords: California grape chicken salad, lemon balsamic vinaigrette, healthy chicken salad, avocado chicken salad, summer salad, low fat chicken salad
