Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe: A Flavorful And Healthy Meal For You

Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe is a delicious and healthy dish you can easily prepare at home. I have always enjoyed the smoky, spicy flavors of blackened chicken, and combining it with fresh greens and a creamy dressing makes it an irresistible meal. If you love the Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe, you will enjoy this homemade version packed with bold flavors and nutritious ingredients. Follow my step-by-step guide to effortlessly recreate the Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe.

Ingredients For Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups mixed fresh salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup red onion (sliced)
• 1/2 cup cucumber (sliced)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup roasted pecans
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

How To Make The Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe

Prepare the Blackened Seasoning

Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.

Coat the Chicken

Rub olive oil on the fresh chicken breasts and evenly coat them with the blackened seasoning mix.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fresh chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until blackened and fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Assemble the Salad

Combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese, and roasted pecans in a large bowl.

Add the Chicken

Slice the blackened chicken into strips and place it over the salad.

Drizzle with Dressing

Pour balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Serving And Enjoying The Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe 

Scoop the Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe into bowls and enjoy every bite—the smoky chicken pairs perfectly with the fresh, crisp greens and tangy dressing. Serve with a slice of fresh whole-grain bread or a side of quinoa for a complete meal.

Chef’s Tips For The Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken enhance the taste.

Adjust Spice Levels

Reduce cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.

Marinate for More Flavor

Let the chicken sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Try Different Dressings

Ranch, honey mustard, or Greek yogurt-based dressings work well too.

Grill the Chicken

For a smoky taste, cook the chicken on a grill instead of a skillet.

Nutrition Information For The Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 550mg

Note: Nutrition values of the recipe may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Related Recipe Names, Ingredients, And Step-by-Step Guide Of Those Recipes For The Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe

Spicy Cajun Blackened Chicken Salad

Ingredients For The Spicy Cajun Blackened Chicken Salad 

For the Blackened Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Salad

• 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup corn kernels (optional)
• ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack, optional)

For the Dressing (Optional Cajun Ranch)

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice or fresh apple cider vinegar

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing The Spicy Cajun Blackened Chicken Salad

• Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub with olive oil or butter, then coat evenly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
• Blacken the Chicken: Heat a cast-iron skillet or clean heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until deeply charred and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
• Rest & Slice: Now, remove the cooked chicken carefully from the pan and rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
• Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or plate, arrange lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, avocado, corn, and cheese.
• Make the Dressing (Optional): Mix ranch dressing with Cajun seasoning and lemon juice until smooth.
• Serve: Top salad with sliced blackened chicken, drizzle with dressing, and enjoy immediately.

Whole Foods Style Grilled Chicken Salad

Ingredients For The Whole Foods Style Grilled Chicken Salad 

For the Grilled Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Salad

• 5 cups organic mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• ¼ cup toasted almonds or walnuts
• Optional add-ins: roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or chickpeas

For the Dressing (Simple Lemon Vinaigrette)

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing The Whole Foods Style Grilled Chicken Salad

• Marinate the Chicken: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate for at least 20–30 minutes.
• Grill the Chicken: Preheat the clean grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
• Rest & Slice: Now let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice it.
• Prepare the Salad Base: In a large clean bowl, combine mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, nuts, and cheese.
• Make the Dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
• Assemble & Serve: Top the salad with grilled chicken, drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve fresh.

Blackened Chicken Avocado Salad

Ingredients For The  Blackened Chicken Avocado Salad

For the Blackened Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1½ tbsp Cajun or blackened seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Salad

• 4–5 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• 1 large ripe avocado, sliced or cubed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup corn kernels (optional)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or shredded cheddar (optional)

For the Dressing (Creamy Lime Cilantro – Optional)

• 3 tbsp olive oil or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Blackened Chicken Avocado Salad

• Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Rub with olive oil or butter, then coat evenly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
• Blacken the Chicken: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Then cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until it is charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
• Rest & Slice: Remove chicken and rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
• Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, corn, and cheese.
• Make the Dressing: Whisk olive oil (or yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Assemble & Serve: Top salad with sliced blackened chicken, drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately.

Southwest Blackened Chicken Salad

Ingredients For The Southwest Blackened Chicken Salad 

For the Blackened Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1½ tbsp Southwest or Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Salad

• 4–5 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup sweet corn (grilled or canned)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• Optional: tortilla strips or crushed corn chips

For the Dressing (Creamy Southwest Dressing)

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
• 1–2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Southwest Blackened Chicken Salad

• Season the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub with olive oil or butter, then coat evenly with Southwest seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
• Blacken the Chicken: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Then cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until deeply charred and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
• Rest & Slice: Remove the chicken from the pan carefully and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
• Prepare the Salad Base: In a large clean bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado, red onion, and cheese.
• Make the Dressing: Whisk Greek yogurt (or mayo), lime juice, chili powder, cumin, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
• Assemble & Serve: Top the salad with sliced blackened chicken, drizzle with dressing, add tortilla strips if using, and serve fresh.

FAQs About The Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe

Conclusion

The Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe is a flavorful and healthy meal perfect for any time of the day. Combining smoky, spiced chicken with fresh greens and a tangy dressing creates a satisfying dish. Whether looking for a nutritious lunch or a light dinner, this Perfect Blackened Chicken Salad Whole Foods Recipe is a great option. Try this delightful recipe and enjoy a homemade version of this Whole Foods favorite!