Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece with every single bite - a Mediterranean Salad with Grilled Chicken that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! This vibrant, fresh, and incredibly satisfying recipe promises to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, delivering restaurant-quality flavors right from your own kitchen. Packed with crisp vegetables, perfectly grilled chicken, and a zesty dressing that will make your taste buds dance, this salad is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the vegetables. Wash and chop the mixed greens, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Slice the grilled chicken breasts into thin strips against the grain.
- Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the prepared salad.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad.
- For the dressing, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the fresh and vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Tips
- Always pat your chicken dry before grilling to ensure a perfect, crispy exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness - 165°F is the magic temperature for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to retain its juiciness and prevent dry meat.
- For extra flavor, marinate your chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Choose fresh, high-quality feta cheese for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Slice vegetables just before serving to maintain their crispness and vibrant color.
- Dress the salad right before serving to prevent soggy greens.
- Experiment with adding kalamata olives or fresh herbs like oregano for more Mediterranean flair.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
