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Chicken Paillard salad with lemon vinaigrette
Greta Brinkley

Chicken Paillard Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This Chicken Paillard Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is bright, fresh, and full of flavor. Tender, pan-seared chicken is served over a bed of peppery arugula, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and shaved Parmesan. Drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette made with Dijon, honey, and white balsamic, this easy salad makes the perfect light lunch or weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Lemon Vinaigrette Ingredients:
  • ¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 T. white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 T. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 t. lemon zest
  • ½ t. Italian seasoning
  • ½ t. garlic powder
  • 1 t. Dijon mustard
  • 1 T. honey
  • Sea salt to taste
Remaining Ingredients:
  • lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 t. garlic powder
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large organic lemon sliced and cut in half, divided
  • 6 c. fresh arugula
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved
  • 3 T. fresh parsley chopped
  • ¼ c. shaved Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Prepare the vinaigrette by combining all ingredients in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover and shake vigorously until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
  2. Place the chicken on a large sheet of plastic wrap or wax paper spread out on a clean work surface. Cut the breasts in half horizontally (with the blade parallel to the counter) and arrange both halves on the plastic wrap or wax paper in a single layer.
  3. Cover with a second sheet of plastic wrap or wax paper and pound to ¼” thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Remove the top cover and season on both sides with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Add the olive oil to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and most of the lemon slices, reserving 3 or 4 slices for garnish.
  5. Cook until the chicken is golden brown on the bottom and releases easily from the skillet, approximately 3-4 minutes. Turn and cook on the remaining side another 2-3 minutes, or just until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Note: Squeeze the lemon slices with tongs while the chicken cooks to release the juice.
  7. Remove from heat and discard the lemon rinds. Transfer the chicken to a large platter and place the reserved lemons in the skillet for approximately 30 seconds per side to warm up. Place the warm lemons on the platter with the chicken and set aside.
  8. Add the arugula, tomatoes, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese to a large bowl and drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette on top. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and toss to combine.
  9. To serve, divide the salad between 4 serving bowls and top each with some of the chicken and warm lemon slices. Offer remaining dressing on the side while serving.