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Fresh Macro-Friendly Grilled Chicken and Watermelon Salad

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A vibrant and refreshing salad combining smoky grilled chicken, juicy watermelon, creamy feta, and fresh mint, perfect for warm-weather meals that are light yet satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless, firm texture recommended)
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced (English cucumber preferred)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts to coat evenly. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
  3. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once. Use tongs to avoid piercing the meat. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  4. While the chicken cooks, toss together watermelon cubes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion (if using), and chopped mint in a large bowl.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until combined and smooth.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Add sliced grilled chicken on top and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra lime juice or salt as desired.

Notes

Letting the chicken rest before slicing is key to juicy meat. Use dairy-free feta or omit for a vegan version. Swap honey for maple syrup if preferred. Keep dressing separate if making ahead to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken salad, watermelon salad, healthy salad, macro-friendly, summer recipe, feta cheese, mint, easy dinner

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/fresh-macro-friendly-grilled-chicken-and-watermelon-salad-easy-healthy-recipe/