Name: California Grilled Chicken & White Bean Summer Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each); 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups baby arugula or mixed greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 English cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1 small avocado, diced; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Cooking spray or a touch of oil for grilling

California Grilled Chicken & White Bean Summer Salad

miradugm

This vibrant summer salad is a celebration of California's fresh produce and golden sunshine, blending smoky grilled chicken with creamy white beans for a powerful protein punch. Juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers add crunch, while avocado and fresh basil bring creamy, herbal notes. A bright lemon vinaigrette ties everything together, making it a perfect meal for warm days—satisfying, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Each bowl is a complete meal, packed with protein and summer energy, ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or a picnic by the Pacific breeze.

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Lightly oil the grill grates or use cooking spray. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and arugula.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice and zest, Dijon, garlic, a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste to make the dressing.
Add the grilled chicken slices and avocado to the salad bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss to combine.
Top with fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.