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This delightful dish brings together the peppery bite of arugula, the softness of mixed greens, the sweetness of mandarin oranges, the burst of flavor from cherry tomatoes, and the subtle tang of red onion, all harmoniously balanced with the richness of grilled chicken. Topped with cracked black pepper and drizzled with a homemade dressing that perfectly complements every element, this salad is a testament to the magic that can be achieved in just 30 minutes. Let’s begin!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups arugula
  • 3 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • Cracked black pepper, to taste

For the dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes, then slice them into smaller pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the arugula, mixed greens,, mandarin orange segments, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  5. Add the grilled chicken slices to the salad bowl.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
  7. Divide the salad onto plates, and finish by sprinkling cracked black pepper over the top.
  8. Serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate the chicken in your favorite herbs and spices before grilling for an extra layer of flavor. For an extra crunch, add toasted almond slices or pine nuts to the salad. Pair the salad with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to make it a more filling meal. Enjoy!

Chef’s tip: To enhance the citrusy notes, zest a bit of mandarin orange peel into the dressing.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition