Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Vegetarian Chicken Garden Salad is a wholesome and satisfying twist on the classic chicken salad. Featuring tender vegetarian chicken strips, vibrant mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber rounds, and sweet carrot ribbons, this salad is as colorful as it is nourishing. A zesty homemade dressing, crafted with olive oil, lemon juice, and honey mustard, ties the dish together for a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. Packed with plant-based protein and a medley of nutritious vegetables, this salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal quick lunch or light dinner. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking to add a plant-powered meal to your menu, this hearty salad proves you don't need meat to create a standout dish.
Rinse the mixed salad greens thoroughly under cold water. Drain well and place them in a large salad bowl.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the salad bowl.
Peel the cucumber, then slice it into thin rounds. Add to the bowl.
Remove the seeds and core from the red bell pepper, then slice it into thin strips. Add to the salad.
Peel the carrot and use a peeler to shave it into long ribbons. Add these to the salad for texture.
Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice the flesh into cubes. Add to the salad.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the vegetarian chicken strips. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, honey mustard, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to create the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Top the salad with the warm vegetarian chicken strips.
Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Calories |
1241 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.0 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.6 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2227 mg | 97% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 84.8 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.4 g | 116% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.4 g | ||
| Protein | 51.7 g | 103% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 337 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 3194 mg | 68% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.