High-Protein Summer Salad with Chickpeas and Grilled Chicken – Looking for a fresh, filling, and nutrient-packed meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? This Grilled Chicken & Chickpea Summer Power Salad is your go-to. It’s loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich legumes, and colorful veggies—making it a perfect choice for warm-weather lunches or light dinners. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting a backyard lunch, this salad delivers both flavor and function.
🥗 Grilled Chicken & Chickpea Summer Power Salad
Ingredients (Serves 2–4): For the Salad:
- 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt & pepper to taste
🥄 Instructions
- Grill the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs (like paprika, oregano, or garlic powder). Grill or pan-sear until cooked through. Let rest, then slice thinly.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients in a bowl or shake in a jar until emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado. Top with grilled chicken and feta.
- Dress & Serve: Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss gently. Garnish with herbs if desired.
💪 Why It’s Great
-
-
- High in protein from grilled chicken and chickpeas
-
- Rich in fiber and heart-healthy fats
- Bursting with summer flavor and color
- Easily customizable with salmon, tofu, or quinoa
🥣 Nutrition Spotlight
Chickpeas are a powerhouse ingredient, offering 12g of protein and 11g of fiber per cup, along with essential nutrients like folate, iron, and magnesium. Learn more from the USDA’s FoodData Central.
🌿 Wrap It Up
This salad isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of summer on a plate. Pair it with whole grain pita or a fruit smoothie for a balanced, energizing spread. Whether you’re fueling up post-workout or just craving something fresh, this bowl checks all the boxes. High-protein summer salad, here we come!
Click to learn how PPMA can help you achieve your best health!