Grilled Chicken Watermelon Salad High Protein Summer Dinner topped with feta and a drizzle of honey-lime vinaigrette.
*This post contains affiliate links
If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that’s both high protein and perfect for the warmer months, look no further than this Grilled Chicken Watermelon Salad High Protein Summer Dinner. This recipe combines the sweet juiciness of watermelon with the smoky flavor of grilled chicken, all topped with creamy feta cheese and spicy jalapeños. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or prepping a light but filling weeknight meal, this dish checks every box for healthy summer dinners.
🔥 Want More High Protein Recipes? 🔥
Try these:
Ultimate Protein Packed Pasta Salad with Creamy Whipped Feta
Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Protein Bars
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Zoodle Bowls
Lemon Cheesecake Protein Bars
Summer is the perfect season to enjoy refreshing, high protein salads, and this one is a standout. Packed with bold flavors and a simple healthy meal prep, it makes a fantastic option for those looking to balance healthy eating with satisfying flavors. Plus, the watermelon salad with feta cheese trend is still going strong, and this version ups the protein with perfectly cooked grilled chicken breast.
PIN FOR LATER
If you’ve been searching for an easy yet impressive recipe for summer meals dinner, this one’s for you. It’s colorful, nutrient-packed, and delivers a perfect blend of textures and flavors—sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Watermelon Salad High Protein Summer Dinner
-
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
-
Fresh Watermelon Cubes
-
Crumbled Fat Free Feta Cheese
-
Fresh Jalapeño Slices
-
Red Onion Slices
-
Fresh Basil Leaves
-
Fresh Mint Leaves
-
Baby Spinach or Arugula
-
Lime Wedges
-
Honey-Lime Vinaigrette Dressing (recipe follows)
Ingredients for Honey-Lime Vinaigrette Dressing
-
Olive Oil
-
Fresh Lime Juice
-
Dijon Mustard
-
Salt
-
Black Pepper
Instructions
-
Grill the Chicken: Season and grill the chicken breast until juicy and charred with grill marks. Let it rest before slicing.
-
Prepare the Watermelon: Cut fresh watermelon into bite-sized cubes.
-
Assemble the Salad: On a long platter or large serving bowl, layer the baby spinach or arugula, sliced grilled chicken, watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, jalapeño slices, and thinly sliced red onions.
-
Add Herbs: Scatter torn basil and mint leaves over the top.
-
Drizzle Dressing: Generously drizzle with the honey-lime vinaigrette.
-
Serve: Garnish with lime wedges and serve immediately as a stunning summer dinner.
Honey-Lime Vinaigrette Instructions
-
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey substitute, and Dijon mustard.
-
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
-
Drizzle generously over the salad just before serving.
Grilled Chicken Watermelon Salad High Protein Summer Dinner
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 large seedless watermelon, cubed
- 3 cups crumbled fat free feta cheese
- 4 jalapenos, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced or diced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 10 cups baby spinach or arugula
- lime wedges, for garnish
Honey Lime Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 3 tbl honey substitute (link in blog post)
- 1 tbl Dijon mustard
- Salt/Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey substitute, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large serving platter or in a massive salad bowl, layer baby spinach or arugula. Top with cubed watermelon, sliced grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, jalapeño slices, and red onion. Scatter torn basil and mint leaves throughout.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the honey-lime vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving.Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh lime wedges and extra crumbled feta if desired. Serve immediately.
- Each serving is 6 WW Points. Enjoy!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cheese besides feta?
A: Yes! Try crumbled goat cheese or even a watermelon arugula salad twist with blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Q: Is this salad spicy?
A: The fresh jalapeño slices add a nice kick. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less, or even using mild peppers instead.
Q: What other protein options work for this salad?
A: Besides grilled chicken breast, you can use grilled shrimp, grilled salmon, or even a high protein bean salad for a vegetarian option.
Q: How do I make this salad lower in carbs?
A: Skip the honey-lime vinaigrette and use a simple lime juice and olive oil combo. You can also cut back on watermelon and add more high protein packed salads ingredients like grilled veggies.
Q: How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
A: You can grill the chicken and cut the watermelon a day in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Q: Is this salad kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Just leave out the jalapeños if your kids are sensitive to heat. The sweet watermelon and creamy feta will win them over.
Q: Can I meal prep this salad?
A: Yes! Prep the grilled chicken, watermelon salad with feta cheese, and veggies ahead. Store them separately and assemble right before eating for a quick healthy summer meal.
Q: How does this fit into a high-protein diet?
A: With lean grilled chicken breast and feta cheese, this salad is packed with protein while still being light and refreshing for a summer dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Watermelon Salad High Protein Summer Dinner
This dish is a healthy summer dinner dream come true! It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and loaded with nutrients. The watermelon feta salad trend is elevated with high protein chicken breast, making it a satisfying meal that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy.
The combination of spicy chicken salad elements with sweet watermelon and creamy feta creates an irresistible flavor explosion. Perfect for a summer salad high protein option that’s Instagram and Pinterest-ready!
Not only does this salad offer a vibrant presentation, but it’s also packed with simple healthy meals components that make it a go-to for meal prep or last-minute dinner plans. The grilled chicken salad component ensures plenty of protein, while the watermelon salad adds hydration and summery sweetness.
*THIS POST CONTAINS AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS WHICH MEANS IF YOU PURCHASE SOMETHING USING THE LINKS BELOW, I WILL RECEIVE A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE SALE FOR RECOMMENDING THE PRODUCT TO YOU. THIS IS ALL AT NO COST TO YOU. THANK YOU IF YOU DO PURCHASE SOMETHING FROM AMAZON THAT WAS USED IN MAKING THESE RECIPES.
PIN FOR LATER
