Grilled Chicken Salad with Caramelized Pecans

This salad has been a favorite for over 10 years. Every summer we break out the pecans and craisins to eat this delicious, crispy grilled chicken salad. Originally we did not use caramelized pecans, we just put roasted crispy pecans on top. In the last couple years my husband discovered how easy it is to caramelize some sugar so we started making caramelized nuts. Whichever way you prefer to make it, I hope it will bring as much deliciousness to your home as it has to ours!

Marinade Ingredients

6 chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)

2 Tbsp red wine or red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp lemon juice, if using red wine

2 Tbsp oil

1 tsp parsley

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp salt

Salad Ingredients

4-6 cups romaine lettuce, cut

1 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup craisins

2 cups caramelized pecans or roasted crispy pecans for low carb

2 cups strawberries, sliced (about 8 oz)

Raspberry vinaigrette or red wine vinaigrette

Directions

1. At least 30 minutes prior to cooking, place all marinade ingredients in a gallon plastic zip bag. Add chicken and make sure it is coated completely. Let marinade for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. 

2. About 15 minutes before the meal, preheat the grill on high for a couple minutes. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, discarding the marinade. 

3. Turn the heat down to medium low and grill for 2-4 minutes and then flip to the other side. Grill another 2 minutes and check the internal temperature with a thermometer. I use this digital thermometer for grilling chicken. 

4. Continue grilling about 1-2 minutes at a time until chicken reaches 165°F. Take off the grill and slice the chicken thighs.

5. If you are assembling all salads for the meal, place the lettuce down and sprinkle with carrots. Add the sliced chicken and sprinkle with pecans and strawberries.

6. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.

If you are not assembling each salad, place each ingredient into a separate serving bowl and enjoy!

Serves 4-6 Prep time 20 min Cook time 10-12 min Total time 35 min