This salad is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and suitable for weight loss, muscle gain, or a balanced high-protein diet. It combines grilled chicken, eggs, fresh vegetables, and a simple homemade dressing.
Servings
2 large servings
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 350–400 g total)
- 4 large eggs
Vegetables
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
Chicken Marinade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Boil the eggs
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, cook for 9–10 minutes.
- Transfer eggs to cold water and let cool.
- Peel and slice in halves or quarters.
2. Marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, combine:
- olive oil
- garlic powder
- paprika
- salt
- pepper
- oregano
- lemon juice
- Coat chicken breasts evenly.
- Let marinate for at least 15–20 minutes.
3. Grill the chicken
Pan Method
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Outdoor Grill Method
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side.
- Rest before slicing.
4. Prepare the vegetables
- Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
- Chop lettuce and spinach.
- Slice cucumber, onion, bell pepper, and tomato.
- Arrange vegetables in a large salad bowl.
5. Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- olive oil
- lemon juice or vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- salt
- pepper
6. Assemble the salad
- Add sliced grilled chicken on top of vegetables.
- Place boiled eggs around the salad.
- Add avocado if using.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
With avocado
- Calories: 450–550
- Protein: 45–55 g
- Carbohydrates: 8–12 g
- Fat: 25–30 g
Without avocado
- Calories: 350–450
- Protein: 45–55 g
- Carbohydrates: 5–8 g
- Fat: 15–20 g
Meal Prep Tips
- Store dressing separately to keep vegetables fresh.
- Chicken can be grilled in advance for 3–4 days.
- Boiled eggs stay fresh refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Use airtight containers for meal prep.
Optional Additions
- Feta cheese
- Olives
- Roasted seeds
- Cottage cheese
- Grilled mushrooms
- Chili flakes for heat
High-Protein Variations
Extra Lean Version
- Use chicken breast only
- Skip avocado and extra oil
- Use Greek yogurt dressing
Muscle Gain Version
- Add extra chicken
- Add cheese and nuts
- Serve with quinoa or roasted potatoes
