Delicious Mediterranean-Style Grilled Chicken Salad

Description: This Mediterranean-style grilled chicken salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. The rich, savory dressing combined with fresh vegetables and juicy pieces of chicken will satisfy any craving.

The preparation process is straightforward; you can easily assemble the ingredients within 20 minutes, ensuring that your meal remains ready in no time. This recipe serves four people, perfect for sharing at a family gathering or bringing to a potluck.

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt and pepper
4 cups mixed greens
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
1 red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ avocado, sliced (optional)
Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil + 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation Method

To prepare this delightful Mediterranean chicken salad, start by marinating the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.

Once marinated, preheat your grill to medium heat (375°F - 425°F). Place the chicken breasts on the grill grates and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. It's important not to overcrowd the grill with too many pieces at once; ensure they get sufficient contact time for even cooking. Keep an eye on them as you flip every few minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat.

While your chicken is grilling, prepare a fresh salad mix of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell peppers, and feta cheese. Arrange these ingredients in a large serving bowl or individual containers for easy distribution. Once the chicken has finished cooking, remove from the grill and allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

Cut your grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them gently with the remaining dressing (3 tablespoons olive oil + 2 tablespoons lemon juice). Add this marinated chicken back into the salad bowl along with any leftover marinade. If desired, top off with sliced avocado for a touch of extra flavor and color.

Dressing

The dressing for this Mediterranean chicken salad is simple yet essential in bringing all the flavors together. Using only two basic ingredients – olive oil and lemon juice – creates a vibrant base that complements well with grilled chicken, greens, vegetables, and cheese.

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

In a small bowl, whisk together these two ingredients until smooth. This dressing can be drizzled over the salad just before serving or served separately for those who prefer dipping.

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean chicken salad is not only versatile but also highly customizable to suit various dietary preferences and taste profiles:

Vegan/vegetarian option: Simply omit the chicken breast from this dish. Use a plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils instead, which will add additional fiber and protein.
Paleo-friendly: Substitute the feta cheese with coconut yogurt and eliminate any grains or processed ingredients used in typical grain salads.
Balanced diet: For a more balanced meal, consider serving this salad alongside a side dish such as roasted vegetables or quinoa salad to provide complex carbohydrates and additional nutrients.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean-style grilled chicken salad offers a delightful array of flavors that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Its ease of preparation, combined with its ability to cater to different dietary needs, makes it a go-to meal for busy days or special occasions.

With just 15 minutes of marinating and around 20 minutes of grilling time, you can have this delicious dish ready in less than half an hour. The recipe yields four servings, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family members who enjoy healthy yet flavorful meals.

Remember to use fresh ingredients whenever possible; they'll elevate the taste profile and nutritional value even further. Whether you're a beginner cook or someone looking for new ideas in your kitchen, this Mediterranean chicken salad is sure to become one of your favorites!

Note: For best results, avoid overcooking the chicken breasts as they may dry out. Keep them moist by flipping frequently during grilling and checking their internal temperature regularly.