Grilled Honey-Orange Chicken Salad

Ok so I must admit, I LOVE a good salad.  Especially during these hot summer months when you want something light, filling yet {lets be honest} bikini friendly.  So when Heather, from one of my favorite blogs The Lovely Cupboard, contacted me to do a fun salad swap, I literally jumped at the chance!  So in case you didn't see this recipe Friday on her blog, today's your lucky day!

I wanted to create a hearty salad that had a mix of fresh fruit, crisp veggies and lots of protein!  I hate scrimping on salads, I mean let's be serious people...salads typically aren't very filling.  This one however will leave you feeling fat and happy.

In a good way.

I love this because you can prepare the marinade in the morning allowing the chicken to absorb all the flavors throughout the day, then just pop the chicken in the broiler when you get home and throw your salad together for a tasty dinner!

Easy peasy, no?

And don't even get me started on the delicious summer dressing I drizzled over top.  The mixture of freshly squeezed orange juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar and shallots just makes my heart swoon.

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Servings: 4

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

Calories: 273

Fat: 7.9 g

Carbs: 13.4 g

Fiber: 2.3 g

Protein: 35.6 g

Old Points: 5.7 pts

Points+: 7 pts

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Here are your ingredients:

Recipe adapted from Better Homes & Gardens

3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 

4 cups salad greens

1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced

2 medium oranges, peeled and sectioned

Sliced almonds, toasted

For the marinade:

2 tsp. orange zest

1/3 cup orange juice

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp honey

1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme (or savory)

For the dressing:

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp white wine vinegar

2 Tbsp orange juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 tsp. shallots, finely chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine ingredients for the marinade and pour over chicken in a resealable plastic bag.  Allow chicken to marinate for 6 to 8 hours in the fridge, turning bag occasionally.  

Line a broiler pan with foil and place chicken on the pan, discarding the marinade.  Season with a bit of salt and pepper and broil 5 to 6 inches away from heat for 15 minutes, turning once.  Chicken should no longer be pink and juices will run clear.

While chicken is broiling, mix together the ingredients for the dressing in a screw top jar and shake well (or whisk together in a bowl).  Divide greens among 4 plates (or 2 for larger portions) and top with chopped peppers and orange sections.  Slice chicken crosswise and arrange over greens and drizzle with dressing.  Feel free to garnish with sliced almonds, if desired.  Enjoy!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe 

Also don't forget, the Shine Project $50 Shop Credit Giveaway is still going on through Monday so enter now for a chance to win!