Nectarine & Chicken Spinach Salad
Juicy grilled chicken breast meets sweet, ripe nectarines and tender baby spinach in this vibrant summer salad. A light balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together, with toasted almonds adding a pleasant crunch. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is a refreshing main course that feels both wholesome and satisfying.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the chicken.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
TIPBring chicken to room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking. - grill · ~10 min
Grill the chicken.
1.Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.2.Place chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side.3.Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then transfer to a cutting board.4.Let rest 5 minutes, then slice against the grain into thin strips. - mix
Make the balsamic vinaigrette.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until emulsified.
- assemble
Assemble the salad.
1.Place baby spinach in a large mixing bowl.2.Add sliced nectarines, red onion, and toasted almonds.3.Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.4.Top with sliced grilled chicken strips. - serve
Divide among plates and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to get a nice golden sear.
- 2Let grilled chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing so juices redistribute.
- 3Slice nectarines just before serving to prevent browning and keep them firm.
- 4Toast almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 5Toss salad gently with your hands to avoid bruising the spinach leaves.
- 6Make the vinaigrette up to 3 days ahead and shake well before using.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Reduce olive oil in the vinaigrette to 1 tbsp and use a nonstick grill pan to cook the chicken, cutting calories while keeping flavor.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add a sliced hard-boiled egg or extra 100g of grilled chicken for a protein boost ideal for post-workout meals.
low carbLow-carb
Replace nectarines with sliced grilled bell peppers or zucchini for a keto-friendly version with the same smoky-sweet vibe.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins A and C
Baby spinach and nectarines both provide vitamin A for eye health and vitamin C to support immunity.
Lean Protein Source
Skinless chicken breast delivers high-quality protein with minimal saturated fat, helping muscle repair and satiety.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil and almonds contribute monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, which support cardiovascular function.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken. Frozen chicken will release too much moisture and won't sear properly.
