Best Grilled Salad Recipes

GRILLED CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high. Make the dressing: Chop 2 garlic cloves and puree with 1/2 cup olive oil, the anchovies and lemon juice in a blender until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Pound the chicken with a mallet or heavy skillet until about 1/8 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper and toss with 1 tablespoon of the Caesar dressing. Grill the chicken until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Brush the bread with olive oil on both sides and grill, turning, until toasted, about 2 minutes. Rub with the remaining garlic clove. Brush the romaine with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the dressing and grill until marked, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Chop the lettuce and transfer to a bowl. Cut the bread and chicken into bite-size pieces and add to the bowl. Toss with the remaining dressing, the parmesan, and pepper to taste. Garnish with more parmesan.

GRILLED CORN AND BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• For the salad: Preheat a grill on high for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium high and grill the corn, with the cover closed and turning occasionally, until some kernels are black, about 12 minutes. Remove and allow the corn to cool slightly.
• Using a sharp knife, cut off the kernels into a very large, deep serving bowl. (Hold the narrow end of the cob, point the other end into the bowl and cut downward, so that flying kernels are trapped by the bowl itself.) Add the black beans, chickpeas, cilantro, green and red bell peppers, onions, chile peppers, salt and pepper to taste to the bowl and toss.
• For the dressing: Whisk together the lime juice, sugar, salt, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, garlic and olive oil in a small bowl. Season to taste with hot sauce.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to thoroughly coat. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, toss again and serve. The salad can be made a day in advance, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.

GRILLED CORN AND TOMATO-SWEET ONION SALAD WITH FRESH BASIL DRESSING AND CRUMBLED BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Combine the vinegar, basil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and oil in a blender and blend until smooth. Can be made 2 hours in advance and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using.
• Combine the corn kernels, onion and tomato in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss to coat, season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Top with crumbled blue cheese and garnish with basil sprigs just before serving. Salad can be made 1 day in advance and served cold or at room temperature.

GRILLED VEGETABLE SALAD WITH FRESH HERB VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Whisk shallot, red wine vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, chives, cilantro, and dill together in a large bowl. Slowly stream olive oil into the mixture while whisking vigorously until the oil is incorporated into a smooth and creamy dressing.
• Arrange asparagus, corn, zucchini, yellow squash, green onions, bell pepper, and red onion onto baking sheets. Brush olive oil onto all the vegetables to coat; season with salt and pepper.
• Cook vegetables directly on preheated grill, turning frequently, until slightly charred and just tender, about 5 minutes for green onions, 8 minutes for asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and red onion, and 10 minutes for corn. Remove vegetables to the baking sheets used for preparation and cool.
• Cut asparagus, green onions, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper crosswise into 1-inch pieces and put into a large bowl. Quarter red onion slices; add to bowl. Cut corn kernels from cobs; add to bowl. Let vegetables cool to room temperature.
• Drizzle vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat.

SIMPLE GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Whisk oil, lemon juice, hot sauce, and thyme in a small saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken and onion slices on a plate. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the dressing over the chicken and onions; turn to coat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
• Grill chicken and onion slices on the preheated grill, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear, about 8 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Set the saucepan with the remaining dressing at the edge of the grill to warm.
• Transfer chicken and onion slices to a place. Cut chicken crosswise into thin slices. Separate onion slices into rings.
• Place lettuce in a large bowl; add chicken and onion. Add warm dressing and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve.

GRILLED CORN SALAD WITH LIME, RED CHILI AND COTIJA

Steps:

• Heat grill to high. Grill corn until charred on all sides, 10 or so minutes. Take off the grill and remove the kernels with a sharp knife. While you are cutting the corn, put a cast iron skillet on the grill to heat.
• Add the corn and the remaining ingredients to the hot pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until creamy and heated through. Serve with the steak.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS AND ROASTED MUSHROOM SALAD WITH TOASTED PECANS, BLUE CHEESE AND RED CHILE MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Add thyme and season with salt and pepper. Toss asparagus with a few tablespoons of the vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper. Arrange 1/4 of the mushrooms in the center of each plate. Arrange asparagus around the mushrooms. Sprinkle pecans and blue cheese around the edge of the plate. Drizzle with more of the dressing.
• Whisk together mustard, ancho powder, salt and vinegar, slowly whisk in oil until emulsified. Season with more salt, to taste.

GRILLED THAI BEEF SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse and pat the meat dry. Place in a sealable plastic bag or small glass dish. In a medium bowl combine 1 tablespoon of the lime juice, soy sauce, canola oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and red curry paste. Pour half the mixture into the bag with the meat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice to the bag. Seal tightly, and marinate meat in refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight, turning occasionally. Reserve the rest of the mixture refrigerated, to dress the salad.
• Spray grill or grill pan with cooking spray and preheat. Grill steak until medium-rare, about 5 minutes per side, depending on desired doneness. Let rest until room temperature then slice thinly against the grain.
• Combine lettuce, sliced shallot, cilantro, basil and beef in a salad bowl, reserving a few shallots for garnish. Add the reserved dressing and toss to coat. Divide salad among 4 plates and garnish with reserved sliced shallots.

GREEK ORZO AND GRILLED SHRIMP SALAD WITH MUSTARD-DILL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine orzo, cucumber, green onions, and tomatoes in a large bowl. Place dill, vinegar, and mustard in a blender and blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil and blend until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the vinaigrette over the orzo mixture and stir well to combine. Gently fold in the feta cheese.
• Heat grill to high. Brush shrimp with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for approximately 2 minutes per side or until just cooked through. Divide orzo salad among 4 take-out containers or plates and top with 4 shrimp. Garnish with additional dill.

GRILLED CHICKEN TACO SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Mix black beans, salsa, 1/2 cup cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl; set aside.
• Stir chili powder, cumin, coriander, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and olive oil in a bowl until smooth; rub mixture over chicken breasts.
• Cook chicken breasts on preheated grill until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 10 to 12 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). While the chicken is cooking, place tortillas on grill and grill until lightly brown on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Transfer chicken to a cutting board and slice into long thin strips. Divide chicken strips over tortillas and top with bean mixture, lettuce, and remaining 1/2 cup cilantro. Serve with avocado, lime wedges, and sour cream.

PASTA SALAD WITH TOMATOES, CUCUMBERS AND GRILLED GREEN ONION-CRUSHED OLIVE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to high.
• Toss the scallions in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the scallions until the bulbs are tender and the greens are well charred, 6 to 8 minutes, turning every couple of minutes. Set aside to cool. When the scallions are cooled, chop them finely.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk in the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil. Add the scallions and toss to coat.
• When the pasta is finished cooking, drain and add to the vinaigrette. Add the olives, tomatoes, red onion, provolone, dill, parsley and arugula. Toss to combine.

GRILLED CHICKEN, PEACH, AND ARUGULA SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar, shallot, Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon salt together in a bowl until dressing is well mixed.
• Brush 1 teaspoon oil onto cut-side of peaches.
• Place peaches, cut-side down, onto grill and cook until heated through, about 4 minutes. Transfer peaches to a plate.
• Brush remaining oil onto both sides of chicken breasts and season with salt.
• Cook chicken on grill until no longer pink in the center, about 4 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Slice chicken into thin pieces and cut peaches into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
• Toss arugula and dressing together in a bowl. Divide dressed arugula among plates; top with peaches and chicken.

GRILLED STEAK SALAD WITH ASIAN DRESSING

Steps:

• Season both side of the rib eye steak with soy sauce and steak seasoning. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to overnight.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Grill steak on preheated grill until firm, reddish-pink, and juicy in the center, about 6 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). Transfer steak to a platter, sprinkle with lemon juice, and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Allow meat to rest for about 10 minutes, then cut into strips.
• Whisk rice vinegar, olive oil, sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl. Combine lettuce, cucumber, avocado, tomato, carrot, red onion, and steak strips in a large bowl. Pour rice vinegar dressing over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.

GRILLED SHRIMP SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk oil, seafood seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a glass or ceramic bowl. Add shrimp and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• While the shrimp is marinating, toss together salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber slices, and walnuts in a bowl; place in the refrigerator. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl for the dressing; set aside.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Remove shrimp from the marinade and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Cook the shrimp on the preheated grill until bright pink on the outside and meat is opaque, about 2 minutes per side.
• Put shrimp on top of the salad greens mixture. Pour dressing over top.

GRILLED CORN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat; lightly oil the grate.
• Cook the corn on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and specks of black appear, about 10 minutes; set aside until just cool enough to handle. Slice the kernels off of the cob and place into a bowl.
• Combine the warm corn kernels with the green pepper, diced tomato, onion, cilantro, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper; toss until evenly mixed. Set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend before serving.

GREEK GRILLED CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE SALAD WITH WARM PITA BREAD FOR WRAPPING

Steps:

• Preheat grill pan over high heat. Place chicken in shallow dish and season with salt and pepper.
• Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Wrap pita breads in foil. Place in warm oven and heat until dinner is served.
• Combine lemon zest, juice and vinegar in a bowl and whisk in oil. Add oregano, garlic and whisk again to combine into dressing. Pour half the dressing over chicken tenders. Turn tenders in dressing to coat.
• Combine remaining salad ingredients in a bowl. Pour remaining dressing over salad and toss well. The salad should be very lightly dressed. Season salad with salt and pepper and transfer to a large serving platter.
• Grill tenders 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Transfer hot tenders to the salad lined serving platter. Remove pitas from oven and unwrap. Cut pitas in half and arrange around the edge of platter.
• To serve, each person can pile grilled chicken and veggies into pita halves, wrap up on either side and enjoy!

STICKY HONEY-CHILI GARLIC GRILLED CHICKEN WITH CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the chili garlic sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and garlic. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook about 10 minutes. Spoon 1/4 cup of the mixture into a small bowl, whisk in the cornstarch until combined and then whisk back into the saucepan. Let simmer an additional 10 minutes to thicken. Let cool completely.
• Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken and place in a 9-by-13-inch pan. Pour half of the chili garlic mixture over the chicken and toss to coat; reserve the remaining sauce. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 4 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Bake the chicken, covered in foil, for 35 to 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat the grill to medium high.
• Remove the chicken from the oven and grill, basting with the reserved sauce, until the skin is crispy, a few minutes per side. (Alternatively, the chicken can be finished under the broiler. Remove the foil from the pan and put under the broiler for a few minutes until the skin is crispy.)
• Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, spoon the remaining reserved sauce over the top and garnish with cilantro. Serve with the Cucumber Salad.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the vinegar and honey until emulsified. Add the cucumbers and cilantro and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving time.

GRILLED POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Place potatoes in a bowl; add 2 tablespoons olive oil and toss to coat.
• Cook on preheated grill until tender, about 30 minutes. Cool potatoes, 10 to 15 minutes; cut into quarters.
• Whisk 1/2 cup olive oil, vinegar, salt, black pepper, garlic, and sugar together in a bowl until dressing is smooth. Toss potatoes, bacon, green onions, and parsley with dressing in a bowl until evenly coated.

GRILLED POTATO SALAD WITH ARUGULA, GOAT CHEESE AND LEMON-MUSTARD-TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a pot of generously salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil until the potatoes are just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and cool slightly, then cut the potatoes into quarters.
• Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high.
• Toss the potatoes with a little canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Put the potatoes in a grill basket and grill, covered, tossing and turning occasionally, until lightly charred in spots, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and immediately add the vinaigrette. Put the arugula on top and scatter the goat cheese over the arugula. Season with salt and pepper. Quickly and gently fold the mixture once or twice to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, mustard, tarragon, honey, and a little salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.

SWEET AND SALTY GRILLED STEAK WITH CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime zest, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic and jalapeño. Pour 1/2 of the mixture over the flank steak and let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 24 hours). Let meat come to room temperature before cooking if necessary.
• Combine the cucumber, radishes and scallions. Pour in just enough of the marinade sauce to coat.
• Light the grill or heat the broiler to high. Pat steak dry with paper towels.
• If grilling, cook until done to taste, about 3 minutes per side for rare. If broiling, heat a 10-inch skillet over high heat for 5 minutes. Add oil to pan and sear the meat for 2 minutes. Flip meat and immediately transfer pan directly to top shelf of oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes for rare, or longer for more well-done meat. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes covered in foil.
• Thinly slice steak and serve over cooked rice noodles or rice if desired, and top with the cucumber salad. Garnish with sesame seeds and plenty of herbs if using and serve with remaining marinade as a sauce.