Sep 07 2026
RestaurantsCarl's Jr.Original Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

Original Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

Inspired by Carl's Jr.
Time40m
Serves4

Make Original Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Salad

Chicken Marinade & Grill

Method

Salad

  1. 1

    Prep vegetables

    Wash and dry the mixed salad greens thoroughly; place them in a large salad bowl. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber and red onion, slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the bowl and toss gently to combine.

  2. 2

    Assemble salad base

    When the chicken is rested and sliced (see Chicken Marinade & Grill), arrange the sliced chicken over the greens and vegetables. Scatter sliced avocado, crumbled cheese if using, and toasted almonds or pepitas on top.

Chicken Marinade & Grill

  1. 3

    Make marinade

    In a medium bowl or zip-top bag combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp kosher salt. Whisk or shake until emulsified.

  2. 4

    Marinate chicken

    If chicken breasts are thick, butterfly or pound them to even thickness (~3/4 inch). Add the chicken to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Remove from fridge 15 minutes before grilling to come to room temperature.

  3. 5

    Grill chicken

    Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F / 220°C). Oil the grill grates lightly. Remove excess marinade from chicken and place on the hot grill. Cook 5-7 minutes per side for average-sized breasts, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid moving too much to get nice grill marks. Total cook time will depend on thickness.

  4. 6

    Rest and slice

    Transfer chicken to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices. Slice the chicken thinly across the grain into strips and set aside for assembly.

Dressing

  1. 7

    Make dressing

    In a small bowl or jar combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 clove minced garlic, 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake in a jar until emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness as desired.

  2. 8

    Dress salad

    Right before serving, drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of dressing over the assembled salad (reserve extra dressing on the side). Toss gently to coat greens without bruising. Arrange sliced grilled chicken on top and serve immediately.

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