Crispy chicken and fresh veggies.

This Crispy Chicken Chopped Salad with air-fried chicken strips offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, combining juicy, crispy chicken with fresh, crunchy vegetables. The air fryer method keeps the chicken light yet satisfying, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The salad is versatile and can be customized with your favorite veggies and dressing. It’s a complete meal on its own but pairs well with a side of whole-grain bread or a light soup, like tomato basil, for a more filling lunch or dinner. This salad is perfect for a nutritious, tasty, and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Strips (or use equivalent high quality healthy store-bought chicken strips)

• 1 lb chicken breast tenders
• 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Olive oil spray

For the Salad

• 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup mixed greens or spinach
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup celery diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or crumbled feta or crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette or your favorite dressing

Directions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Chicken Strips
   • In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
   • Place the coated chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Lightly spray them with olive oil.
3. Air Fry Chicken
   • Air fry the chicken strips for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Prepare Salad
   • In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red onion, shredded carrots, and cilantro or parsley.
   • Toss the salad with your favorite dressing.
5. Assemble
   • Top the salad with the crispy air-fried chicken strips. Add crumbled feta or blue cheese if desired.
   • Serve immediately.

Tips

• Dressing of Choice: For this typically I would serve it with a really good honey-mustard dressing like Ken’s.
• Custom Dressing: For a lighter option, try a lemon vinaigrette or Greek yogurt-based dressing.
• Veggie Variety: Add other vegetables like avocado, broccoli, cauliflower or radishes for more color and crunch.