Grilled Chicken Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing

As you may have guessed, this post is really not about the actual salad, but about the dressing!  And that doesn't surprise any of you, I'm sure (unless you are just visiting my blog for the first time that is).  You can make any sort of salad you would like.. this just happens to be what we like :)  This just happens to be one of those recipes that I just HAD to post.  Simple and delicious and so much better than store bought dressings!  Heck, this dressing even uses ingredients most everyone has in their pantry... and that is something you just can't beat.  I mean if you can open your pantry/fridge and make a delicious concoction like this without having to go to the store... you are golden!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Grilled Chicken Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing
Adapted from Food Network Magazine
- Serves 2 -
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
olive oil
salt and pepper
cayenne pepper
3-4 cups torn lettuce
sliced cucumbers, sliced radishes
cherry tomatoes, quartered
For the dressing -
2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar

Directions:
Drizzle olive oil over both sides of each piece of chicken.  Season liberally with salt, pepper and cayenne. Allow to rest, covered, in the refrigerator for at least a hour.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing until well combined.  Cover and store in refrigerator until ready to use.  Can be made up to three days in advance.

Preheat grill to 375 degrees F.  Clean and oil grill grates.  Place chicken over direct heat and grill 5-8 minutes per side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.  Remove from grill and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before thinly slicing or chopping.

Build the salad by adding the lettuce to two plates or large bowls.  Top with tomatoes, cucumber, radishes and finally the chicken.  Drizzle on as much dressing as desired and serve immediately.  Enjoy!

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