This High-Protein Chicken, and Walnut Salad with Orange hits the mark perfectly—bringing together lean protein, healthy fats, and vibrant citrus in a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Finding recipes that are both nutritionally powerful and genuinely enjoyable like this is the ultimate sweet spot for weight loss.
Sustainable health isn’t about restriction – it’s about creating a lifestyle where nutritious choices become natural preferences. This salad embodies that philosophy, delivering serious nutritional benefits while awakening your taste buds with a perfect balance of flavours and textures.
At the heart of this recipe is protein-rich chicken breast, which provides the essential building blocks your body needs for muscle repair and growth. With 28g grams of protein per serving, this salad becomes more than just a meal—it becomes a powerful tool in your nutrition plan, helping you maintain lean muscle mass while supporting your metabolism.
The addition of walnuts adds texture and nutritional profile. These nutrient powerhouses provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and that satisfying crunch that makes each bite interesting. Research shows that including nuts in your diet can help reduce inflammation and support brain health – proving that healthy eating extends far beyond just managing your weight.
The orange segments add a burst of juicy sweetness which is delicious alongside the savoury elements. Beyond their flavour, oranges contain vitamin C, supporting your immune system and helping your body absorb the iron from the dark, leafy greens in the salad base.
High Protein Recipe To Take To Work
What makes this recipe particularly special is its versatility. Prepare it for a quick weekday lunch, scale it up for family dinner, or portion it into containers for efficient meal prep. The flavours actually improve after a few hours as the ingredients mingle. It’s a perfect moment of self-care that’s ideal for those busy days when you need nutrition on the go.
This salad represents everything we believe about nutrition – that healthy eating should never feel like punishment or deprivation. Instead, it should be a celebration of fresh, whole foods combined in ways that delight your senses while nourishing your body.
Whether you’re just starting your weight loss journey or you’re looking to add variety to your established routine, this High-Protein Chicken, Walnut & Orange Salad offers a perfect balance of nutrition, convenience, and pure eating pleasure.
Ingredients - High Protein Chicken and Walnut Salad
For the dressing:
3 tbsp. of honey
2 tbsp. mustard
1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. orange juice
⅓ tsp. cinnamon
For the salad:
7 oz. (200g) chicken breast
4 handfuls rocket
¼ iceberg lettuce
- 1 orange
⅓ pomegranate fruit, seeds
¼ cup (30g) pecans, roasted
1 tbsp. coconut oil
Method
Serves 2
- Peel orange and cut out the pulp and set aside. Squeeze the juice from the rest of the orange and keep it for the sauce.
- Mix the ingredients of the dressing in a cup, season with salt and pepper.
- Cut the chicken breast into 4 smaller pieces, season with salt, coat with olive oil and place on a hot grill pan — grill for 4 minutes on both sides.
- Drizzle the chicken pieces with a tbsp. of dressing and continue to grill for about 1.5 minutes on a slightly lower heat. Turn over then drizzle with another tbsp. of dressing, and grill for another minute. Remove from the pan and set aside. Once cooled slightly slice into pieces.
- Mix the salad leaves and divide it between two plates, then top with the orange and chicken.
- Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds and roasted pecans. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve.
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