If you’re looking for an easy dinner that feels fresh but still filling, this Blackened Chicken Salad is one I make all the time during warmer weather. It has juicy blackened chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, feta cheese, and the best raspberry vinaigrette to pull everything together.

Blackened Chicken Salad one white plate with a dish of raspberry dressing.

This is one of those salad recipes for dinner that doesn’t feel boring at all. Between the bold seasoning on the chicken and all the fresh toppings, it’s become one of my favorite summer dinner ideas when I want something lighter but still really good.

Why I Love This Blackened Chicken Salad

Quick and easy dinner idea
Perfect balance of sweet and savory
Great for warmer weather meals
Great is you are looking for some new grilled chicken salad recipes

sliced grilled blackened chicken over salad.

I don’t always share healthy Summer dinner ideas, but trust me, this salad is a must try. Its nothing to crazy, and actually I started making this for myself for lunch at the restaurant I work at. Now when I have the grill out, I like to make the blackened chicken and assemble this delicious salad. My daughter loves when I make it, too. (bonus points!)

I like to grill the chicken, and actually I just fired up our Traeger Ranger since it heats up quickly and can cook at higher temperatures. You could make the chicken on your flat top or just on a skillet on the stove top! Whatever you want.

Ingredients Needed for this Blackened Chicken Salad

🥗 Chicken Cutlets/ Breasts – I usually use chicken cutlets because they cook quickly, but breasts, tenders, or thighs all work too.

🥗 Olive Oil – Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and keeps it juicy while cooking.

🥗Blackened Seasoning – This gives the chicken all that bold flavor and a little kick. It’s what makes this Blackened Chicken salad so good.

🥗Mixed Greens – The base of the salad and keeps everything fresh and light.

🥗 Mandarin Orange – Adds a little sweetness that works so well with the spicy chicken. I used fresh here but canned works as well.

🥗Dried Cherries – These add chewy sweetness and so much flavor to the salad.

🥗Slivered Almonds – Gives the salad a nice crunch in every bite. Sliced works, too. You could swap for walnuts or pecans, too.

🥗 Feta Cheese – Adds a salty creamy flavor that balances everything out. If you like goat cheese (I don’t) you could use that as well.

🥗 Raspberry Vinaigrette – This ties the whole salad together and works perfectly with the fruit and blackened chicken.

How to Make this Blackened Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the chicken. Start by heating up your grill or cooking method of choice. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken and season both sides with the blackened seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the chicken. Grill the chicken for a few minutes on each side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Of course can cook it stove top, too!

Step 3: Assemble the salad. Add the mixed greens to a large bowl or serving plates. Top with the mandarin orange slices, dried cherries, almonds, and feta cheese.

Step 4: Add the chicken. Slice the blackened chicken and place it right on top of the salad.

Step 5: Drizzle and serve. Finish everything with raspberry vinaigrette and serve right away.

Additions & Substitutions

Swap feta for goat cheese
Add avocado for extra creaminess
Use pecans or candied walnuts instead of almonds
Try strawberries instead of mandarin oranges
Cook the chicken on a Blackstone or stovetop if preferred

Blackened Chicken Salad -with raspberry vineagrette

Looking for other healthy Summer Dinner Ideas? Try my:

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