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Arugula Salad Recipe with Chicken

How to Make a Mouthwatering Arugula Chicken Salad in Just 15 Minutes

There’s nothing better than a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious salad that comes together in just 15 minutes. As someone who loves cooking but doesn’t always have time to prepare elaborate meals, I constantly find myself turning to quick and healthy recipes. This arugula chicken salad is one of my all-time favorites—it’s packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and drizzled with a simple yet delicious homemade dressing. Whether you need a light but satisfying lunch or a quick dinner option, this salad is guaranteed to be a winner!

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How to Make a Mouthwatering Arugula Chicken Salad in Just 15 Minutes

Why You’ll Love This Salad

  • Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.

  • Full of Flavor – Peppery arugula, juicy chicken, and a zesty dressing make every bite irresistible.

  • Customizable – You can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.

    • Let’s dive into how you can create this simple and delicious arugula salad recipe with chicken in no time!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    For the Salad:

  • 4 cups fresh arugula

  • 2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced or shredded

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved

  • ⅓ cup toasted walnuts or almonds

  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ avocado, sliced (optional)

    • For the Dressing:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp honey

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

    • Step-by-Step Instructions

    Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

    Start by gathering all your ingredients. Slice the grilled chicken, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. If you’re using nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown—this enhances their flavor and crunch.

    Step 2: Make the Dressing

    In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is light yet flavorful and ties everything together beautifully.

    Step 3: Assemble the Salad

    In a large bowl, combine the arugula, chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Parmesan, and toasted nuts. If using avocado, add it last to avoid it getting mushy.

    Step 4: Drizzle & Toss

    Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to coat evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

    Kitchen Essentials for Making This Salad

    To make this recipe even easier, here are some highly recommended kitchen tools from Amazon that I personally love:

    1. OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner

    Why You Need It: A salad spinner helps wash and dry your arugula quickly, ensuring it stays crisp and fresh.

    Buy it here: OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner

    2. Mercer Culinary Chef’s Knife

    Why You Need It: A high-quality chef’s knife makes slicing chicken and veggies effortless.

    Buy it here: Mercer Culinary Chef’s Knife

    3. Rachael Ray Serveware Rise Serving Bowl

    Why You Need It: This stylish yet functional bowl is perfect for serving and tossing salads.

    Buy it here: Rachael Ray Serveware Rise Serving Bowl

    Why This Salad is the Best Choice for a Healthy Lunch

    This salad is a nutrient powerhouse while being low in calories and high in protein. Arugula provides essential vitamins and antioxidants, chicken adds protein to keep you full, and the nuts offer healthy fats for long-lasting energy. Plus, the dressing is made with wholesome ingredients, unlike store-bought versions filled with preservatives.

    Ways to Customize Your Salad

    • Switch the Protein: Use shrimp, grilled salmon, or chickpeas for variety.

    • Add More Greens: Mix in spinach or kale for extra nutrients.

    • Try a Different Dressing: A balsamic vinaigrette or Greek yogurt-based dressing works great too!

    How to Make a Mouthwatering Arugula Chicken Salad in Just 15 Minutes

    Final Thoughts

    If you’re looking for the best arugula salad recipe with chicken, this one is a must-try! It’s simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious. Whether you make it for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation.

    So, grab your ingredients, give it a try, and let me know how you customize yours in the comments below!

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