When warm weather rolls in, I start craving fresh meals that are easy to toss together, packed with flavor, and light enough to enjoy outdoors. That’s exactly why I love this grilled chicken and zucchini salad. With juicy grilled chicken, tender zucchini, and a punchy lemon-dill yogurt dressing, it’s a refreshing dish that fits perfectly into our summer routine. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual backyard dinner, this grilled chicken and zucchini salad delivers both nourishment and flavor—without turning on the oven.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad Is a Family Favorite
The first time I made grilled chicken and zucchini salad, I wasn’t aiming for anything fancy. It was one of those hot days when cooking indoors felt like a chore. I had chicken cutlets defrosted, a few zucchini from the farmers market, and half a head of romaine that needed using. Tossing it all together turned out better than expected—and it instantly became a hit with my kids and husband.
Now, every time the grill gets fired up, I find myself making this salad in some form. It’s become a family tradition alongside dishes like Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad and the sweet-tart Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad. But this one stands out thanks to its tangy yogurt marinade, fresh dill, and the way the grilled zucchini balances the chicken perfectly.
This grilled chicken and zucchini salad is more than just a dish—it’s a memory on a plate. I remember serving it during a 4th of July picnic, and it disappeared before the burgers were even ready. It’s light enough to keep everyone feeling good, yet hearty enough to be satisfying. Plus, it’s pretty on the plate, with charred strips of zucchini nestled among bright greens and vibrant radishes.
Why this recipe works for busy families
If you’re anything like me, you love meals that are equal parts quick, healthy, and delicious. This grilled chicken and zucchini salad satisfies all of those requirements. It uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen—yogurt, lemon, romaine, olive oil—and turns them into something that feels fresh and exciting.
Yogurt marinating keeps the chicken extremely juicy and gives it a little tang. In the meantime, the zucchini grills for just long enough to be crisp on the edges and soft. The whole thing comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner when life is chaotic but you still want something homemade.
It also keeps well for meal prep—just store the chicken, zucchini, and dressing separately from the greens. Then toss together right before eating. The flavor might even be better the next day, to be honest. With recipes like Air Fryer Chicken Salad and 5-Ingredient Chicken Salad also on rotation, this one still holds a special place.
If you’ve been looking for a salad that’s satisfying, healthy, and family-approved, grilled chicken and zucchini salad might just be your new favorite.
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Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad: Light, Healthy & Flavorful
This fresh and flavorful grilled chicken and zucchini salad is made with a creamy yogurt-dill marinade, crisp romaine, and juicy radishes. It’s the perfect light meal for sunny lunches or easy dinners.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
½ cup plain yogurt (not Greek)
1 clove garlic, minced (1 teaspoon)
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus ¼ cup packed dill sprigs
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
8 chicken cutlets (about 1 ¼ pounds)
3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into ½-inch-thick planks
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 romaine lettuce heart, thinly sliced (4 cups)
6 globe radishes, cut into ½-inch wedges (¾ cup)
Instructions
1. Preheat grill to medium-high. Mix yogurt, garlic, 1 tbsp oil, and chopped dill. Season and coat chicken.
2. Let chicken marinate for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toss zucchini with 1 tbsp oil and lemon zest.
3. Brush grill grates with oil. Grill chicken 2–3 minutes per side until done.
4. Grill zucchini 4–6 minutes per side until charred and tender.
5. Toss romaine, radishes, and dill sprigs with remaining oil and lemon juice.
6. Serve grilled chicken and zucchini on top of salad.
Notes
Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
This salad stores well—keep the greens and grilled components separate until ready to serve.
Add feta or nuts for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad Starts with the Right Ingredients
The beauty of grilled chicken and zucchini salad is that it doesn’t need a long ingredient list to taste incredible. It all comes down to using what’s fresh and treating it well. For the chicken, thin cutlets work best—they cook quickly and absorb the creamy yogurt marinade in no time. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer something richer.
When choosing zucchini, go for medium size. They’re easier to slice lengthwise and grill evenly without turning mushy. Fresh dill brings brightness to the dish, while plain yogurt (not Greek) creates a silky dressing that clings to the chicken without feeling heavy. A bit of garlic, lemon zest, and quality olive oil tie everything together.
Don’t forget the lettuce base. Crisp romaine adds that satisfying crunch, while radishes offer a peppery kick. I’ve even added extras like cherry tomatoes or avocado when I wanted to stretch it a bit. This recipe has the same simple magic I love in my 5-Ingredient Chicken Salad—minimal ingredients with maximum impact.
Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad Tips: Perfect Char Every Time
Don’t worry if you’ve ever had limp zucchini or dry grilled chicken—this salad of grilled chicken and zucchini cures both. The secret lies in the yogurt marinade. Let the chicken rest in it for at least 15 minutes. The meat is tenderized with a hint of acidity while locking in moisture. From the beginning, add chopped garlic and dill to enhance the flavor.
For the zucchini, toss it in olive oil and lemon zest before grilling. This helps it caramelize without sticking. Use medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil. Grill chicken for about 2–3 minutes per side and zucchini for 4–6 minutes until tender and lightly charred.
Want your chicken to taste even better? Let it rest for five minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute. I use the same trick when prepping meals like Air Fryer Chicken Salad—a small pause makes a big difference in flavor.
Grilled chicken and zucchini salad might sound basic, but when you master these little steps, the results are anything but.
Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad: How to Build the Perfect Bowl
Now that your ingredients are grilled and ready, it’s time to pull everything together into a beautiful, flavor-packed bowl. The key to a great grilled chicken and zucchini salad is thoughtful layering. Start with a bed of thinly sliced romaine lettuce—fresh and crisp, it gives the salad structure. Scatter over your radish wedges for that sharp bite and bright color.
Next, arrange the grilled zucchini planks and sliced chicken. This isn’t just about looks (though it helps!); even distribution means every bite has the right balance. Add your dill sprigs on top—don’t skip this step. They add a fresh, herbaceous punch that lifts the whole dish.
Toss gently with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice right before serving. You want everything coated but not soggy. A tip I learned from my BBQ days: always dress greens last and lightly. It’s the same logic I use when making BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad or Dijon Potato Salad—flavorful but balanced.
Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad: Easy Tips for Stunning Presentation
Let’s face it—people eat with their eyes first. So when you’re plating your grilled chicken and zucchini salad, make it pop. Slice your grilled chicken at a slight angle for clean edges and arrange it in a fan across the salad. Drape the zucchini planks between the chicken for contrast.
If you’re serving this for guests, you can even assemble individual bowls instead of one big platter. Add an extra sprinkle of lemon zest or a dash of cracked pepper for that chef’s kiss finish.
This salad shines served slightly warm—the grilled components really bring out the flavors. But it also holds up beautifully chilled, which makes it ideal for prep-ahead lunches or quick dinners.
Whether you’re feeding family or friends, grilled chicken and zucchini salad is guaranteed to impress. With its vibrant colors and bold textures, it’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.
Is Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad Healthy? Absolutely.
One of the biggest reasons I turn to grilled chicken and zucchini salad again and again is because it’s so good for you. Lean grilled chicken offers plenty of protein to keep you full, while zucchini adds fiber and essential vitamins. The creamy yogurt marinade brings probiotics into the mix—great for digestion and gut health.
You’re also getting healthy fats from the extra-virgin olive oil and antioxidants from the lemon and dill. This is a well-rounded meal without unnecessary extras. It’s especially helpful when I want something lighter than pasta or heavy casseroles, but still need energy to get through the day.
Even my kids ask for it now, which tells me a lot. I’ve served it next to Dill Pickle Potato Salad at family gatherings and watched it disappear. When a salad can do that, you know it’s not your average bowl of greens.
Pair it with a glass of lemon water or iced tea, and you’ve got a balanced, feel-good meal that doesn’t weigh you down.
Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad Variations to Try Next
One of the best things about grilled chicken and zucchini salad is how easy it is to make it your own. Want more protein? Toss in some quinoa or chickpeas. Craving creaminess? A sprinkle of feta cheese or a dollop of hummus adds depth. You can also swap the zucchini for grilled eggplant or even add corn for a little sweetness.
To kick up the spice, try red pepper flakes in the marinade or a few chili oil drops in the dressing. Nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts add crunch and make it more filling. This salad is endlessly flexible—just like your schedule.
I often double the chicken and use leftovers the next day in wraps or rice bowls. It’s just like how I repurpose extras from Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad into sandwiches for the kids’ lunches.
Stored separately, the components last well in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the greens and dressing apart until you’re ready to eat.
Once you’ve made this grilled chicken and zucchini salad once, you’ll start dreaming up your own twists. That’s the beauty of it—it fits your lifestyle, not the other way around.
FAQs About Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad
What is the best dressing for grilled chicken salad?
The best dressing for grilled chicken salad depends on the flavor profile you love. For grilled chicken and zucchini salad, a light yogurt-based dressing with garlic, lemon, and dill pairs perfectly. It adds creaminess without overpowering the smoky grilled notes. Balsamic vinaigrette, tahini dressing, or even a zesty mustard-lemon vinaigrette also work beautifully if you’re customizing.
How does Rachael Ray make chicken salad?
Rachael Ray often adds a bold twist to classic chicken salad recipes. She typically uses rotisserie or grilled chicken, tosses in fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and sometimes even fruit like grapes or apples. While her version leans more traditional with mayo or sour cream, our grilled chicken and zucchini salad uses yogurt and dill for a refreshing spin.
Is eating salad with grilled chicken healthy?
Yes, grilled chicken salads are a fantastic healthy meal option. They offer lean protein, fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy fats. A grilled chicken and zucchini salad specifically keeps calories in check while delivering fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. Skip heavy creamy dressings to keep it lighter, and use herbs and lemon juice to amp up flavor.
What does a grilled chicken salad contain?
A grilled chicken salad typically includes grilled chicken breast, mixed greens, and a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or zucchini. Our grilled chicken and zucchini salad adds radishes, dill, and a yogurt-based dressing for a fresh and tangy twist. It’s flexible and easy to customize based on your pantry or garden.
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