Grilled Chicken Salad

A few years back, I was looking for a simple yet delicious salad for a picnic for my boyfriend and myself. Now that guy is my husband, and we still enjoy going on picnics and dining on this grilled chicken salad. It's perfect as a meal or side.

Grilled Chicken Salad

Average Rating: 4.5

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
YIELD: 6 servings.

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni, ziti or spiral pasta
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2-1/2 cups sliced celery
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh dill or 5 teaspoons dill weed
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijion mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • Leaf lettuce
  • Snipped fresh dill, optional

Instructions

  • 1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Grill chicken, uncovered, over medium heat until juices run clear, 5-8 minutes on each side. Remove from grill to a rimmed platter. Sprinkle with lemon juice; let stand 10 minutes. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water.
  • 2. Remove chicken from platter to a cutting board and cut into strips; pour juices into a large bowl. To the juices, add vinegar, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper; whisk well. Gradually whisk in oil. Add pasta, celery, onion, red pepper and dill; toss to coat. Arrange pasta over lettuce-lined plates. Top with chicken. If desired, sprinkle with dill.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 689 calories, 33g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein.