This Easy Copycat Chick-fil-A Market Salad is packed with fresh greens, juicy chicken, and tasty toppings like cheese and nuts. It brings the restaurant’s flavor right to your kitchen!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make! I love tossing all the ingredients together and drizzling on a nice dressing for a quick and healthy meal. Perfect for lunch on the go! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are my go-to for this salad. They cook quickly and are juicy. If you’re looking for a quicker option, grilled chicken strips from the deli or even rotisserie chicken work well.
Mixed Salad Greens: A blend of spring mix and baby greens gives you great flavor and texture. If you can’t find a mix, you can use just spinach or arugula instead for a peppery bite.
Fruits: Fresh blueberries add a nice sweetness, but you can swap them for sliced strawberries or segments of orange if you prefer. If you can’t find fresh cherries, dried cranberries are an excellent alternative!
Nuts: Roasted almonds add crunch to the salad. If you have allergies or just prefer them, feel free to use walnuts or pecans instead.
Cheese: Feta brings a tangy flavor, but blue cheese is also a popular choice here. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free option like nutritional yeast.
How Do I Get the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking the chicken to perfection can be a challenge! Follow these steps to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful:
- First, season your chicken well. It helps enhance the flavor.
- Use a hot skillet to sear the chicken. This gives a nice crust and locks in juices.
- Don’t rush the baking part. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is super helpful here!
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; it’ll keep it juicy when you slice it!
Easy Copycat Chick-fil-A Market Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix, baby greens, kale)
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup chopped red cabbage
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted and salted almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or blue cheese
- 1 small apple, cored and sliced thin (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook the chicken. You’ll have a fresh, delicious salad ready in just about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, season your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This helps lock in flavor and moisture!
3. Bake the Chicken:
Now, move the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. Assemble the Salad:
While the chicken is baking, get started on the salad! In a large bowl, mix together the salad greens, romaine, and red cabbage. Then, toss in the grape tomatoes, blueberries, dried cherries, almonds, and cheese.
5. Slice the Chicken:
After the chicken has rested, slice it into bite-sized strips. Place the chicken on top of your salad and add in the apple slices if you opted to include them.
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until it’s nice and emulsified.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss everything gently to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Chick-fil-A Market Salad!
FAQ for Easy Copycat Chick-fil-A Market Salad
Can I Use Cooked Chicken Instead of Raw?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie or leftover chicken, will save you time. Just slice it and add it to the salad at the end. You can also warm it slightly in a skillet if you prefer.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add some protein-rich alternatives like chickpeas, quinoa, or tofu. It will still be hearty and filling!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The salad can last in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Dress just before serving to keep the greens crisp!
Can I Substitute Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to swap the fruits, nuts, and cheese based on your preferences or what’s available. For example, try walnuts instead of almonds, or use strawberries instead of blueberries for a different flavor profile!
