Healthy Mediterranean Salad with Chicken

Introduction: Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your lunch? This healthy Mediterranean salad with chicken is perfect for those who love fresh flavors and vibrant colors on their plate. Packed full of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this dish offers an excellent balance between taste and nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
• 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine lettuce)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, sliced into rounds
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. In the meantime, prepare your vegetables by washing them thoroughly under running water and drying off excess moisture if necessary.
4. Once the chicken has been cooked through, let it rest for about five minutes before slicing into thin strips. This step ensures that you get juicy pieces of meat instead of dry ones.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice to create your vinaigrette dressing. Adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt or pepper if desired.
6. Combine all the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced chicken breast along with the prepared vegetables. Toss gently until everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
7. Serve immediately for best results, but if you prefer, this salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to two days; simply allow it to sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving to bring out its full flavor.

Cooking Time: Total preparation & assembly time is approximately 30 minutes. If you're including marinating time, it will be slightly longer depending upon the method used.

Serving Size: This recipe serves four people. Each portion consists of one cup of mixed greens with half a chicken breast serving and some additional toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Total Calories: ~400 kcal
• Fat Content: ~25g
• Protein Content: ~30g
• Sodium Content: ~190mg

Conclusion: Whether you're looking for a quick weekday meal or want to impress guests during dinner parties, this Mediterranean salad with chicken is sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes. It’s not only packed with flavor but also rich in health benefits making it suitable for anyone who wants to eat healthier while enjoying every bite.

Enjoy exploring other variations within the Mediterranean cuisine genre which often includes ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, capers, and herbs like parsley or mint that could be incorporated into this basic recipe depending on personal preference. Happy cooking!