Lemon Herb Chicken Chickpea Power Salad
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Power Up Your Lunch!
Fancy a salad that actually fills you up? I get it. So often, salads are just...sad. But what if I told you that 13 high protein salads could change your lunch game forever? Honestly, I was blown away when I discovered how delicious and satisfying they could be!
The Lowdown on Lemon Herb Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad
This Lemon Herb Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad is bright, zesty, and packs a protein punch. It’s like a little taste of the Mediterranean sunshine, even on a rainy Tuesday.
Think grilled chicken, hearty chickpeas, and a zingy lemon dressing.
This is an easy protein salad that is totally do-able even on your busiest days. We're talking 35 minutes, start to finish. Makes two decent portions, perfect for sharing…or not!
Why You'll Love This Hi Protein Salad
Looking for some healthy protein packed salads ? This one's got you covered! All that chicken and those chickpeas keep you full and energized.
Plus, it’s a perfect post workout salad recipe fuel for your muscles and tastes awesome! This particular protein salad for weight loss it is something that everyone is looking for.
This isn’t your average rabbit food, folks. It’s vibrant, flavourful, and feels like a treat even though it’s good for you.
Great choice as a Salad To Take To Work and even as a Salads For Work Lunch Meal Prep . What makes this salad so special? Well, the fresh herbs make a world of difference.
Right, let's dive into what you need for this belter of a salad. This Lemon Herb Chicken and Chickpea Power Salad is going to knock your socks off.
Honestly, it's one of my go-to quick high protein salad recipes .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Down to Brass Tacks
Making healthy protein packed salads doesn't need to be complicated. Here’s the breakdown.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless ones (about 8 oz / 225g total). Go for good quality, free range if you can. You know, the kind that actually tastes like chicken.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for the chicken and 3 tablespoons (45 ml) for the vinaigrette. Extra virgin is your best bet for flavor.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Trust me, this adds a bit of that Mediterranean magic.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Gotta have that garlic kick!
- Chickpeas: 1 (15-ounce / 425g) can. Drained and rinsed, yeah? No one wants that can juice.
- Cherry Tomatoes: ½ cup (75g) , halved. The sweeter, the better.
- Red Onion: ¼ cup (30g) , thinly sliced. Adds a bit of bite.
- Cucumber: ½ cup (40g) , diced. Cool as a cucumber, literally.
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup (15g) , chopped. Don’t be shy with the herbs!
- Fresh Mint: ¼ cup (15g) , chopped. This is what makes it super fresh.
- Mixed Salad Greens: 2 cups (100g) . Whatever tickles your fancy. Romaine, spinach, mixed leaves, go wild!
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , fresh. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Adds a bit of tang.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . For that little bit of oomph.
- Honey: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . To balance out the lemon.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Obviously.
Seasoning Notes: A Bit of This, A Bit of That
The oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper on the chicken are a classic combo. It just works, you know? Feel free to chuck in some smoked paprika for a bit of warmth.
If you haven't got red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar will do the trick. The honey is essential for balancing the lemon in the dressing.
Seriously, don't skip it!
I've messed up a few times before, and now I always double check the lemon juice, there is nothing worse than a salad with no lemon taste.
Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets Here
You really don't need loads of kit for this. A grill pan (or BBQ if you’re feeling fancy). A big bowl for the salad.
A small bowl or jar for the dressing. And a whisk. If you haven’t got a whisk, a fork will do just fine.
Honestly. The most important thing is a decent knife for chopping.
This protein salad for weight loss is a cracking choice, and so simple to rustle up. And it's one of the salads to take to work , or just enjoy at home.
Lemon Herb Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad: The Only Hi Protein Salad You'll Ever Need!
Honestly, I've been obsessed with salads lately. But not those boring, wilted lettuce situations, you know? I'm talking about real salads.
The kind that fill you up, fuel your day, and actually taste amazing. That's why I'm sharing this Lemon Herb Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad with you.
This one is a winner! It’s one of those easy protein salads you can throw together even on the busiest weeknight.
Ready for your new go-to Post Workout Salad Recipes ? Let's dive in! Did you know, on average, a person needs about 0.
8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day? This salad will get you well on your way!
Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon for a Speedy Salad
Essential mise en place is key here. Chop your parsley and mint before anything else. It's gonna make things SO much faster later.
Drain and rinse those chickpeas, too! Trust me, nobody wants that weird can taste. This also serves as one of the best Salads To Take To Work .
For organization, I like to pre-mix the vinaigrette. That way, it's ready to go when the chicken is done. Safety reminder? Don't be a ninny; wash your hands.
Especially before handling chicken. Ew .
step-by-step: Salad Domination in Minutes
- Marinate chicken with oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill over medium high heat until 165° F / 74° C . Let rest.
- Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Combine greens, chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, herbs in bowl.
- Slice or dice the chicken and add to the salad.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Healthy Protein Packed Salads !
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Wanna make this salad next level ? Try roasting the chickpeas. Toss them with a little smoked paprika and a drizzle of olive oil, then bake at 400° F / 200° C for about 15 minutes .
You won’t regret it.
Don't overcook the chicken! Nobody likes dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer, people! This also makes for great High Protein Lunch Ideas .
Common mistake: Soggy salads. Dress right before serving. Seriously. Want to take it to work? Keep the dressing separate and toss it right before lunch.
Enjoy your Salads For Work Lunch Meal Prep ! And if you are looking for a Protein Salad for Weight Loss , then this recipe is just for you.
This recipe is a cornerstone of my journey to discover 13 High Protein Salads that don't bore you to death.
It's a fantastic base to explore other flavours and protein sources. These Quick High Protein Salad Recipes are perfect for a light lunch, quick dinner, or even Chicken Salad Recipes High Protein variations!
Honestly? It's so simple, even my brother could make it. And that's saying something. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for a Seriously Good Salad
Right, let's talk turkey. Or rather, chicken and chickpeas! These notes are your secret weapon. They'll help you take this Hi Protein Salads recipe from good to oh my gosh, this is amazing! We are talking here about Healthy Protein Packed Salads , easy enough to prepare and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Salad Game
Okay, so you've got this beautiful Lemon Herb Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad. Now what? First impressions count, right? I reckon plating it nicely makes all the difference.
How about arranging the chicken slices artfully on top? A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley never hurts either.
Think about what goes well with lemon and herbs. Crusty bread? Absolutely. A light, dry rosé? Yes, please! For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a lemon wedge is smashing.
This one of the best Salads To Take To Work , believe me! You can have also this Salads For Work Lunch Meal Prep .
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Honestly, nobody wants a soggy salad. If you're making this ahead of time, store the vinaigrette separately. That way, the greens stay crisp and the chicken doesn't get all weird.
In the fridge, this will keep for up to 3 days . Just make sure it's in an airtight container. Freezing isn't really recommended because the salad will get mushy.
Reheating the chicken is fine! Just pop it in the microwave for a minute or two . Don't overheat it, yeah? A quick and Easy Protein Salads recipe.
Variations: Tweak it 'Til You Make It
Fancy a change? This salad is super versatile.
For a veggie version, swap the chicken for grilled halloumi. It's got that salty, squeaky goodness that goes perfectly with the lemon and herbs.
Are you craving Quick High Protein Salad Recipes? try this!
Or, if you are looking for Protein Salad for Weight Loss , consider adding some quinoa!
If you're avoiding dairy, just skip the feta. Easy peasy!
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body Right
Let's keep it real. This salad is packed with protein (around 40g per serving!), thanks to the chicken and chickpeas.
This is good for building and repairing muscles. And it keeps you feeling full. Perfect if you need some High Protein Lunch Ideas .
The lemon vinaigrette adds healthy fats. These are important for energy and hormone production. Plus, there are loads of vitamins and minerals from all the veggies.
What about Post Workout Salad Recipes ?
Alright, there you have it. Everything you need to make this Lemon Herb Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad a total winner! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
After all, cooking should be fun! You got this! This salad is fantastic if you are looking for some Chicken Salad Recipes High Protein .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Lemon Herb Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad ahead of time? It sounds smashing, but I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! You can prep many of the components in advance. Grill the chicken and make the vinaigrette a day or two ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just before serving, toss everything together with the fresh greens and other ingredients.
The salad is best when the greens are freshly dressed to prevent them from getting soggy, mind you!
I'm not a fan of chickpeas. What else can I use in this high protein salad to keep it, well, high in protein?
No worries, there are plenty of substitutes! For a similar texture and protein punch, try using cannellini beans, edamame, or even lentils. A crumbled hard boiled egg would also be a delightful and protein packed addition, as would some cubed tofu. Feel free to experiment with whatever you have in your pantry!
How long does the Lemon Herb Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad last in the fridge? I'm trying to be more organised with my lunches, you see.
Once assembled, this salad is best enjoyed immediately, especially because of the fresh herbs and vinaigrette. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The greens might wilt a bit, but the flavour will still be fantastic.
Make sure you have proper storing containers to avoid a soggy salad, and a sad lunch!
This recipe sounds delicious, but what if I'm trying to watch my waistline? Any tips for making this one of the 13 High Protein Salads lighter?
Certainly! You can reduce the amount of olive oil in the vinaigrette or use a low-fat vinaigrette. Grilling the chicken without any added oil or using a leaner protein source like grilled fish or shrimp will also cut down on calories.
Also, increase the amount of leafy greens to have a larger, more filling salad with fewer calories overall.
I'm vegetarian. What can I substitute for the chicken in this recipe to still make it a protein powerhouse?
Great question! Grilled halloumi cheese is a fantastic vegetarian option that adds a lovely salty flavour and meaty texture. Alternatively, you could use pan-fried or baked tofu, or even add a generous scoop of quinoa or lentils for an extra boost of plant based protein and fiber.
Marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms also work wonderfully!
Lemon Herb Chicken Chickpea Power Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 10g |