Ingredients:

To prepare this chicken and vegetable salad, you will need the following:

For the Salad:
Chicken breast (2 pieces): Grilled or cooked and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Black beans (1 cup, canned): Drained and rinsed for added protein.
Cucumber (1 large): Sliced thinly for a refreshing crunch.
Bell peppers (2, mixed colors): Chopped, preferably one yellow and one orange for vibrant color.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Halved for a juicy burst.
Red onion (1 small): Thinly sliced for sharpness.
Lettuce leaves (2-3 cups): Torn into bite-sized pieces, using a mix of greens like romaine, iceberg, and radicchio for color and texture.
For the Creamy Dressing:
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The base of the creamy dressing.
Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess with a hint of tang.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): For a refreshing citrus kick.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and slight tang to the dressing.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For added flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Preparation Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cook the chicken: If you haven’t pre-cooked the chicken, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Grill or pan-fry them until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into bite-sized strips or cubes.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop the vegetables: Slice the cucumbers, chop the bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring you have a nice mix of colors and textures.
Rinse the black beans: Drain and rinse the canned black beans under cold water and set aside to dry.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Toss the vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped vegetables (lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion). Add the rinsed black beans.
Add the chicken: Toss the cooked chicken into the salad mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Dress the salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Make sure the dressing is distributed well but don’t over-toss to avoid wilting the lettuce.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish and serve: Add a little freshly ground black pepper on top for garnish and serve immediately.
Variations:
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative.
Extra Toppings: Add sliced avocado for creaminess, or sprinkle feta cheese or shredded cheddar for added richness.
Spicy Twist: Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Tips for the Best Salad:
Use fresh ingredients: The crunch of fresh vegetables makes all the difference in a salad. Make sure your lettuce and vegetables are crisp and vibrant.
Customize the dressing: If you want a lighter version, you can use more Greek yogurt and less mayonnaise, or add a splash of olive oil for a smoother texture.
Serve immediately: Salads are best served fresh after being tossed with dressing to preserve their crispness.
Serving Suggestions:
This chicken and vegetable salad can be served as a main course for a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or seafood.
Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for a more filling meal.
It can also be stored in the fridge (without the dressing) and assembled just before serving for meal prep or lunchboxes.
Conclusion:
This chicken and vegetable salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing makes it a satisfying and flavorful option that’s easy to make. Whether you’re serving it as a light meal or a side dish, this salad is sure to be a hit with its fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.