Perfectly Balanced Mediterranean Salad with Grilled Chicken

Looking for a quick yet healthy meal that is both satisfying and packed full of flavor? This Mediterranean salad with grilled chicken recipe is the perfect choice! The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and tender grilled chicken makes it an excellent dish for any day of the week. It's light, refreshing, and rich in nutrients, providing a delightful balance between taste and health.

Ingredients you will need include 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 large head of romaine lettuce, 1 small cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, 1 small red onion, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, a generous amount of salt and pepper to taste. You will also need some fresh parsley for garnish.

For cooking time, this dish takes approximately 40 minutes in total (including marinating the chicken). It serves 2 people perfectly as an appetizer or main course salad.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large head of romaine lettuce
• 1 small cucumber
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 small red onion
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• Garlic powder to taste (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season both sides of each chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for added flavor. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle some olive oil over the top of the chicken breasts to help it cook evenly.

Place your chicken in the preheated oven and bake until fully cooked through, approximately 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

1. Cooking time for this step is about 30 minutes including baking and resting.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

In the meantime, prepare your vegetables. Wash all the greens thoroughly under cold water to ensure they are clean. Chop them into bite-sized pieces ensuring that each piece is about one inch in size for even cooking and serving.

Cut the cucumber into thin slices, and dice the red bell pepper into small cubes. Slice the onion thinly. Make sure all your ingredients are prepared before moving forward with the next steps so as not to waste time waiting while you prepare more vegetables or chicken.

Dressing

Mix together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. You can add garlic powder for extra zest if desired. Blend all the ingredients well until smooth. Taste it; adjust seasoning as necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or even a bit more lemon depending on your preference.

Putting It All Together

Once your chicken has finished cooking, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thin strips across the grain so that each piece stays juicy and tender. While the chicken is resting, toss together all the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl until they are evenly distributed.

Add the sliced grilled chicken pieces to the mixed greens along with your homemade dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined and coated. Garnish with fresh parsley for that final touch of freshness.

Final Notes

This Mediterranean salad goes beyond being just a meal; it's also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary preferences - whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or following another specific diet plan. Just simply omit the chicken and add additional protein sources like chickpeas, tofu, or quinoa for a plant-based version.

For those seeking more variation, consider adding other ingredients such as olives, feta cheese, or cherry tomatoes to enhance its flavor profile even further. The key is to use high-quality produce when making this dish; fresh and flavorful vegetables will elevate the overall taste experience significantly.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Mediterranean salad with grilled chicken recipe offers numerous benefits beyond its deliciousness:

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed full of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, protein, healthy fats.
• Low in Calories: Perfect for those watching their waistline without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
• Easily Customizable: Tailor it to your tastes and dietary needs by adjusting ingredients and ratios according to personal preference.
• Environmentally Friendly: This dish supports sustainable farming practices which contribute positively towards reducing our carbon footprint.

The Mediterranean diet has long been recognized for its numerous health benefits including improved heart health, better cognitive function, reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and certain cancers. By incorporating this type of meal into your weekly routine, you're not only treating yourself to a wonderful culinary experience but also investing in your overall well-being.

So why wait? Whip up a batch of this refreshing Mediterranean salad with grilled chicken today! It's easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Whether you're hosting dinner parties or having a casual lunch at home, this dish is sure to impress guests while keeping your plate clean and satisfied.