Description
This easy maple grilled chicken salad with peaches combines the smoky sweetness of grilled chicken marinated in a maple mustard mixture with the juicy freshness of peaches, creating a deliciously balanced summer salad. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and perfect for light dinners or as a protein-packed lunch.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
2 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
¼ cup maple syrup
For the Salad:
1 avocado, sliced
1 peach, sliced
2 handfuls mixed baby salad leaves
2 cups brown basmati and wild rice mix
2 tablespoons mixed seeds
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and maple syrup until smooth. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the mixture for later use as a salad dressing. Coat the chicken breasts in the remaining marinade and set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.
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Cook the Rice: While the chicken marinates, cook the brown basmati and wild rice mix according to the package instructions.
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Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan and brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
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Prepare Reserved Dressing: While the chicken cooks, thin the reserved mustard-maple mixture with 2–4 tablespoons of water, adjusting to your desired dressing consistency.
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Assemble the Salad: Once the rice is cooked, place it in the bottom of a bowl as the base. Top with mixed baby salad leaves, sliced avocado, and sliced peach. Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it over the salad. Sprinkle mixed seeds on top for added crunch and texture.
Notes
- Fruit swap: Try nectarines, mangoes, or plums instead of peaches for a different fruity twist.
- Leafy greens: Swap the mixed baby salad leaves for arugula or spinach for an added peppery bite.
- Dressing options: Add a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to give the salad a zesty finish.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the grilled chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
