Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe

This Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe is fresh and flavorful, which includes juicy roasted chicken breasts and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in just 40 minutes.

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Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

For the Salad:

• 5–6 ounces arugula or mixed greens
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
• Shaved parmesan or goat cheese (optional)
• Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts (optional)

For the Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Salad

1. Marinate and roast the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Place chicken breasts in a dish or bag, pour marinade over, and let sit for 30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 6 hours). Transfer to a sheet pan and roast for 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice thinly.
2. Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble the salad: Place arugula or mixed greens in a large serving bowl or platter. Top with sliced chicken, avocado, parmesan, and toasted nuts.
4. Dress and serve: Drizzle the salad with the lemon vinaigrette right before serving. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Can I grill the chicken instead? Yes, grilling the marinated chicken adds great flavor and works just as well.
• Best greens to use: Arugula adds a peppery bite, but mixed spring greens or baby spinach also work beautifully.
• How to make ahead: Roast and slice the chicken ahead of time and store it separately. Assemble the salad just before serving.
• Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
• Vinaigrette storage tip: Store any leftover vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

What To Serve With Lemon Chicken Salad

This salad is satisfying on its own, but also pairs well with:

• Crusty bread or a baguette
• Quinoa or couscous
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• A light pasta salad
• A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water

How To Store Lemon Chicken Salad

Refrigerate: Store the salad and dressing separately to keep the greens fresh. Keep in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently warm the chicken in the microwave if desired, or serve cold over greens.

Lemon Chicken Salad Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 420kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Calcium: 60mg
• Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work great—just adjust the roasting time as needed.

How do I keep the chicken moist?
Let the chicken marinate and avoid overcooking. Resting it after roasting also helps.

What’s the best cheese for this salad?
Shaved parmesan offers a salty bite, while goat cheese adds creamy tang.

Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, the salad is delicious without them, but they add crunch and texture.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Confetti Corn Salad Recipe
• Ina Garten Herbed Potato Salad Recipe
• Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad Recipe