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Grilled Chicken And Basil Dressing

2 grilled chicken thighs over a bed of arugula salad w/ halved cherry tomatoes and diced avocado. On a white plate.
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EatSimpleFood.com

This easy and basic grilled chicken recipe is elevated by a tangy basil & pine nut vinaigrette and served over a salad with cherry tomatoes and avocado.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredient List Salad:

  • 2 lb (8) boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 8 cups (~1/2 lb) arugula
  • 1 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
  • desired amount of vinaigrette
  • salt
  • black pepper

Ingredient List Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 cup (~ 1 oz) basil
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced & sautéed
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup e.v. olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • pinch black pepper

Instructions

  • Bring a grill to medium heat (~400F).
  • Bring a small pan to medium high heat and add the pine nuts.  Cook and stir until starting to brown and fragrant (optional step).  Throw directly into food processor and blend it.
  • Bring a small pan to medium high heat and add garlic.  Cook 1-2 minutes or until fragrant (optional step).   Throw into food processor.  Add all remaining ingredients to food processor and whiz it up until smooth.
  • Lightly oil, salt, and pepper chicken.  Grill covered for ~ 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165F and juices run clear.
  • In a large bowl combine all salad ingredients except chicken and dressing.  Add desired amount of dressing and mix.  Plate salad and add chicken on top.  Add sea salt to taste.  Happy Eating!  Beckie

Notes

  • Don't want the extra work or the extra dishes to clean?  Forego toasting the pine nuts and sauteing the garlic and throw them into the food processor as is.