Are you craving a salad that not only nourishes but delights your palate? The Lemon Herb Chicken Tenderloin Salad is the perfect choice, combining juicy, tender chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon herb dressing. This salad is an ideal option for a light lunch or dinner, providing a satisfying balance of textures and flavors that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This Lemon Herb Chicken Tenderloin Salad is a feast for the senses. With each bite, you’ll experience the creamy richness of avocado, the crispness of mixed greens, and the tangy brightness of the lemon herb dressing. The addition of quinoa or your preferred grains ensures that this salad is not just light but also filling and packed with nutrients.

Whether you’re aiming for a healthy meal or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this salad covers all bases. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients That Shine

Here’s a closer look at what makes this salad stand out:

Chicken Tenderloins: These are seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Cooked to golden brown perfection, they add protein and substance to the dish.
Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado provides healthy fats and a silky texture that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
Grape Tomatoes & Cucumber: These fresh vegetables add a juicy, crisp bite, enhancing the overall freshness of the salad.
Mixed Greens: A blend of arugula, spinach, or romaine brings a base of nutrients and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Quinoa: This optional grain adds heartiness and makes the salad more filling while keeping it light.

The Secret Is in the Dressing

The lemon herb dressing is what ties this dish together, making it more than just another chicken salad. With the fresh zing of lemon juice, the richness of olive oil, and the subtle kick of Dijon mustard, it perfectly complements the tender chicken and fresh vegetables. Add a little honey for sweetness if you prefer, and finish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to give it that extra flavor boost.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Cook the Chicken: Start by seasoning the tenderloins and cooking them to golden perfection in a skillet. The chicken should be juicy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Once cooked, let it rest before slicing.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, dice the avocados and cucumbers, halve the grape tomatoes, and slice the red onion thinly.
Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, mustard, honey (if using), salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, mix your greens, veggies, and quinoa. Then, slice the chicken and arrange it on top.
Dress the Salad: Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra herbs if desired, and dig into this vibrant and flavorful salad immediately.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Herb Chicken Tenderloin Salad is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of flavors, from the savory chicken to the refreshing vegetables and the tangy dressing, creates a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a wholesome yet delicious meal. Pair it with a light white wine or a sparkling water with lemon for a complete dining experience.

So next time you’re in the mood for something light but full of flavor, give this salad a try. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Lemon Herb Chicken Tenderloin Salad

Author: Alice

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a refreshing Lemon Herb Chicken Tenderloin Salad, a medley of vibrant flavors and textures, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Juicy chicken tenderloins are paired with creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a tangy lemon herb dressing that will invigorate your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

For the Salad:
– 1 lb chicken tenderloins
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 4 cups mixed greens such as arugula, spinach, or romaine
– 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or grains of choice
– 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking the chicken
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat

For the Dressing:
– 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 4 tbsp olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp honey, optional for sweetness
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tbsp fresh herbs like parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
– In a bowl, toss the chicken tenderloins with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
– Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:
– Dice the avocados and cucumber.
– Halve the grape tomatoes.
– Thinly slice the red onion.

3. Make the Dressing:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey if using, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:
– In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced avocado, grape tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cooked quinoa.
– Slice the cooked chicken tenderloins and add them on top of the salad.

5. Dress the Salad:
– Drizzle the lemon herb dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.

6. Garnish and Serve:
– Garnish the salad with additional fresh herbs if desired.
– Serve immediately and savor the vibrant flavors of your homemade salad.