Print

Fresh Grilled Apricot Chicken Spinach Salad

fresh grilled apricot chicken spinach salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy summer salad featuring smoky grilled chicken and caramelized apricots over fresh spinach, topped with creamy goat cheese and a honey-balsamic dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 ripe fresh apricots, halved and pitted
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 5 cups baby spinach leaves (about 150 g), washed and dried
  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil for brushing chicken and apricots
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for seasoning chicken)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and brush lightly with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Rinse apricots, slice in half, and remove pits. Brush apricot halves with olive oil.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C).
  4. Grill chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on chicken.
  5. Grill apricot halves cut-side down for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and fruit softens slightly.
  6. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
  7. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  8. Toss baby spinach with half the dressing in a large bowl. Arrange sliced chicken and grilled apricots on top.
  9. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and toasted nuts over the salad. Drizzle remaining dressing as desired.
  10. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad before serving.

Notes

Watch apricots carefully while grilling to avoid burning. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Toss salad gently to avoid overdressing. For vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. For dairy-free, replace goat cheese with vegan cheese or omit.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled apricot salad, chicken spinach salad, summer salad, goat cheese salad, honey balsamic dressing, quick salad recipe

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/fresh-grilled-apricot-chicken-spinach-salad-recipe-easy-and-delicious/