After a busy day, we often want something quick, light, and still nourishing. A chicken fillet salad is perfect—it's packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and lots of flavor. It won't weigh us down, and it's easy to make in less than 30 minutes.

Whether we're eating after work, after a workout, or just trying to eat cleaner at night, this salad is a reliable and tasty option.

Start with lean chicken fillet

Chicken fillet is one of the best sources of lean protein. It helps us stay full without being heavy, and it's great for muscle recovery if we've been active during the day. For a salad, we want the chicken to be juicy and tender, not dry.

Here's a quick way to prepare it:

Ingredients for the chicken

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken fillet

• A pinch of salt and black pepper

• 1 tsp olive oil

• A little garlic powder or paprika (optional)

Cooking steps

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

3. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and lightly golden.

4. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing—it helps keep the meat juicy!

Choose a mix of fresh vegetables

The vegetables are where we can get creative. A good salad has color, crunch, and freshness. Here are some ideas we can mix and match:

• Leafy greens: lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale

• Crunchy veggies: cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, radish

• Sweet touches: cherry tomatoes, corn, apple slices, or mango

• Creamy elements: avocado or boiled egg for extra richness

The more colors we use, the more nutrients we're getting. Plus, it just looks more appetizing!

Make a healthy dressing

Many store-bought dressings are high in calories or additives, but making our own is quick and healthier.

Simple lemon olive oil dressing:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice or balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp honey or mustard (optional)

• A pinch of salt and pepper

Shake or whisk everything together. We can also try yogurt-based dressings, or mash a bit of avocado with lemon juice and thin it with water.

Assemble the salad

Now let's put it all together!

1. Fill a bowl or plate with a base of leafy greens.

2. Add the sliced grilled chicken fillet on top.

3. Scatter your favorite colorful veggies.

4. Drizzle with dressing right before eating.

5. Sprinkle with optional extras like seeds, nuts, or whole grains (like quinoa or brown rice) if we want more energy.

This salad is great on its own, or paired with a slice of whole grain bread or soup if we want something warm alongside it.

Tips for meal prep

If we want to save time on busy weekdays, we can prep parts of the salad in advance:

• Cook several chicken fillet and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Wash and chop veggies and store them in airtight containers.

• Pre-mix dressing in a small jar and shake it before use.

That way, we just need a few minutes to assemble dinner after a long day.

Let's enjoy healthy dinners together

Eating well at night doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or fullness. With a healthy chicken fillet salad, we get everything we need—lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a satisfying bite—without feeling heavy or sluggish afterward.

Lykkers, do you have your own version of a go-to chicken salad? What's your favorite topping or dressing to make it extra special? Let's share our ideas and make our dinners more delicious, together!