Looking for a quick yet flavorful dish that will leave you feeling both satisfied and light? This Grilled Chicken Tenderloin with Tomato, Arugula, and Olive Salad is the perfect recipe for those moments when you want something delicious, wholesome, and bursting with fresh ingredients. The combination of tender grilled chicken, peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, and the salty bite of olives brings a Mediterranean-inspired flair to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about balance. The juicy chicken tenderloins, grilled to perfection with a blend of olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a hint of salt and pepper, pair beautifully with the freshness of a simple salad. Arugula offers a peppery kick, while the tomatoes and olives add layers of sweet and salty flavors. The optional addition of red onion, feta, or Parmesan takes it to the next level, while the lemony dressing ties it all together, providing a light, zesty finish.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or even something to impress guests at a weekend gathering, this dish is both visually appealing and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, with minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what makes this recipe special:
- Chicken Tenderloins: These are the star of the dish. Tender, juicy, and flavorful, chicken tenderloins cook quickly on the grill, making them a great protein option.
- Fresh Arugula: This leafy green adds a distinctive peppery taste that complements the chicken and other salad components perfectly.
- Tomatoes: Choose between cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness or large tomatoes for a heartier bite.
- Kalamata or Black Olives: Olives bring that briny, salty flavor, a classic Mediterranean touch that really elevates the salad.
- Red Onion (Optional): A bit of thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp contrast to the sweet tomatoes and earthy olives.
- Feta or Parmesan (Optional): Cheese lovers can sprinkle in some crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan for extra richness.
The Perfect Dressing
The dressing is a simple but effective mix of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic, with the optional addition of honey or agave syrup to add a hint of sweetness. This dressing perfectly complements the robust flavors in the salad, offering a bright and tangy finish.
Easy Steps to Prepare
- Grill the Chicken: After seasoning with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, grill the tenderloins for just a few minutes on each side until juicy and fully cooked.
- Toss the Salad: Combine the fresh arugula, tomatoes, olives, and optional ingredients like red onion and cheese.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a bit of honey or agave for a tangy-sweet dressing.
- Assemble: Lay the sliced grilled chicken over the salad, drizzle the dressing, toss gently, and garnish with fresh basil for a bright and fragrant finish.
Serve and Enjoy
This dish is best served immediately after preparing. It’s a meal that feels like summer on a plate—light, fresh, and full of vibrant flavors. Pair it with a chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect meal to enjoy outdoors or at your dining table.
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Grilled Chicken Tenderloin with Tomato, Arugula, and Olive Salad
Description
Dive into a delightful fusion of flavors with this Grilled Chicken Tenderloin with Tomato, Arugula, and Olive Salad. The tender and juicy chicken, combined with the peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives, creates a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any meal. This well-balanced meal is both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 2 chicken tenderloins
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Salad:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 4 cups fresh arugula
– 1/2 cup Kalamata or black olives, pitted and halved
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced optional
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan cheese optional
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
For the Dressing:
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 clove garlic, minced optional
– 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup optional, for added sweetness
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Rub the chicken tenderloins with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juicy.
Prepare the Salad:
1. Halve the cherry tomatoes or dice the large tomatoes.
2. Pit and halve the olives.
3. Thinly slice the red onion if using.
4. If using, crumble the feta or shave the Parmesan cheese.
5. In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, halved tomatoes, olives, and red onion if using.
6. Sprinkle with crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan cheese if desired.
Make the Dressing:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic if using, honey or agave syrup if using, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble and Serve:
1. Slice the grilled chicken tenderloins and place them on top of the salad.
2. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
3. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your Grilled Chicken Tenderloin with Tomato, Arugula, and Olive Salad!