Grilled Chicken with Cherry Arugula Salad: Your Go-To Healthy Summer Dinner
Summer is a season of vibrant flavors, outdoor gatherings, and often, a little too much indulgence. As much as we love those spontaneous cookouts and creamy ice cream cones, many of us eventually seek out meals that are both light and satisfying, helping us feel energized rather than weighed down. This Grilled Chicken with Cherry Arugula Salad is precisely that kind of dish – a perfect summer meal that’s light, low carb, and bursting with incredibly fresh flavors. It’s an ideal candidate to add to your meal plan this week, offering a delightful blend of savory chicken, sweet cherries, and peppery arugula, all coming together in a harmonious, healthy package.
The transition from the carefree days of summer back into a more structured routine can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining healthy eating habits. Like many, I find myself battling the infamous “Summer 6” – those few extra pounds that seem to sneak up after months of enjoying delicious food, perhaps a bit too much white wine, and the ever-present allure of salty, crunchy snacks. It’s a struggle I know all too well, and this year has been no exception! While I’m not ready to part with all my summer treats, it’s definitely time to curb the excessive snacking and reduce the frequency of eating out. The good news is that with summer break winding down and a more structured routine on the horizon, my discipline tends to improve. With better planning and wholesome recipes like this one, getting back on track feels much more achievable.
Last week, I felt a desperate need to reset my family’s eating habits and prepare a genuinely nourishing meal. I turned to my trusted Clean Slate cookbook, a fantastic resource for simple, whole-food recipes. This particular recipe immediately caught my eye with its straightforward ingredients and promise of fresh flavors. The simplicity of the components meant less fuss in the kitchen, which is always a win during busy times. One of the best aspects of this dish is the flexibility it offers: I was able to grill the chicken earlier in the day when I had a spare moment. This small act of meal prep made dinner assembly incredibly quick and stress-free when evening rolled around, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Cooking for a family often means navigating different preferences, and my household is no exception. I have two wonderful little ones who, despite my best efforts, are not yet enthusiastic salad eaters. To ensure everyone enjoyed a wholesome meal, I made a simple adaptation for them. Instead of the cherry arugula salad, I served their grilled chicken alongside a colorful medley of baby carrots and, of course, plenty of the sweet, pitted cherries. This way, they still benefited from the lean protein and fresh fruit, while the adults (who gladly embraced the full salad experience) got to enjoy even more of that delicious cherry arugula goodness. It’s a testament to how easily adaptable this healthy chicken recipe is for various dietary needs and tastes.
Cherries have been a huge hit in our house this summer; my daughter and I have been devouring them by the bowlful. So, I was thrilled to find a recipe that incorporated them in a unique and savory way, moving beyond just eating them raw. The sweet-tart burst of the cherries proved to be a magnificent counterpoint to the peppery bite of the baby arugula, creating a flavor profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. The salad was elegantly dressed with a light balsamic vinegar, which perfectly complemented the other ingredients. For an extra layer of flavor, I was fortunate to use a cherry-infused balsamic vinegar from my local olive oil shop, which elevated the dressing to an even more exquisite level. The synergy of these ingredients is truly exceptional, making every forkful a delight.
While we typically enjoy cherries straight from the bowl, this recipe called for them to be pitted and halved for optimal salad enjoyment. To make the prep work quick and effortless, I highly recommend using a cherry pitter. This handy gadget significantly speeds up the process, allowing you to get your delicious salad on the table in no time. If you don’t have a cherry pitter, don’t worry! You can still easily pit cherries using a chef’s knife. Simply place the cherry on a cutting board, gently press down on it with the side of the blade to loosen the pit, and then remove the pit with your fingers. It’s a simple trick that ensures you can enjoy this fantastic recipe regardless of your kitchen tools.
My goal with this dish was to keep it wonderfully lean and clean, focusing on fresh, unprocessed ingredients to truly fuel the body without any unnecessary additions. For that reason, I opted not to include any cheese in the initial preparation, maintaining its low-carb and light profile. However, if you’re looking to add a touch of creamy indulgence and extra flavor, I have a strong feeling that a sprinkle of tangy goat cheese would be absolutely incredible in this dish. Its creaminess and distinct flavor would perfectly complement the sweetness of the cherries and the peppery notes of the arugula, making it an excellent optional addition for those who enjoy cheese. This versatility ensures that the recipe can be tailored to individual preferences while still remaining a fantastically healthy and delicious meal. Enjoy the last precious moments of summer with meals that make you feel good!
Grilled Chicken with Cherry Arugula Salad
Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
Yield: serves 4
Category: Chicken
Method: Grill
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- lemon pepper seasoning (optional, for an extra zing)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (a cherry-infused vinegar works wonderfully)
- 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 cups fresh baby arugula
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough to get a good sear on the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Lightly rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Season generously with coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, and if desired, a touch of lemon pepper seasoning. If using lemon pepper, be mindful of its salt content and adjust the amount of added salt accordingly.
- Grill the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.
- Assemble the salad: While the chicken is grilling and resting, prepare your vibrant cherry arugula salad. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced red onion, pitted and halved sweet cherries, and fresh baby arugula to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients to combine them thoroughly, ensuring the dressing evenly coats the greens and fruit.
- Serve: Once the chicken has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips. Arrange a generous portion of the fresh cherry arugula salad on individual plates and top with the sliced grilled chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy this light, flavorful, and healthy summer meal!
Notes
This recipe has been slightly adapted from the wonderful Clean Slate cookbook, a fantastic source for wholesome and delicious meals.
Cherry Pitting Tip: For effortless cherry preparation, a cherry pitter is highly recommended. However, if you don’t have one, don’t fret! A clever alternative suggested by Clean Slate is to use a chef’s knife. Gently press down on each cherry with the side of the blade to loosen the pit, then easily remove it with your fingers. This method works perfectly to get your cherries ready for the salad.
Optional Additions: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding crumbled goat cheese or feta, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts, or even a few slices of avocado to your salad. These additions can enhance the meal without compromising its fresh and healthy appeal.