Why Make This Recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a perfect dish for those who want a healthy, colorful, and tasty meal. This salad is not only refreshing but also packed with protein and nutrients. It is great for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish for gatherings. With a mix of juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and tangy feta cheese, it brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Grill them until cooked through and charred. Let the chicken rest before slicing it into thin strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese. Toss gently to mix everything together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Add the grilled chicken strips to the salad and toss again to incorporate all the flavors.
- Serve the salad on a platter or on individual plates, garnished with extra feta cheese and parsley. Pair it with crusty bread or pita chips and enjoy!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Salad
You can serve Mediterranean Chicken Salad in many ways. It looks great on a big platter for sharing or on individual plates for a personal touch. This salad is perfect on its own or can be accompanied by fresh bread or pita chips for some extra crunch.
How to Store Mediterranean Chicken Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible, to ensure the salad remains crisp and the chicken stays juicy.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad
- Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest before slicing it; this helps retain its juices.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor. If you can, opt for fresh oregano instead of dried.
- Feel free to chop up other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added crunch and color.
Variation
You can easily customize this salad. For a vegetarian option, substitute grilled chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu. Additionally, swap feta cheese for goat cheese or omit cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?
Yes! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly in this salad.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, Mediterranean Chicken Salad is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free pita chips or bread alongside.
3. Can I meal prep this salad for the week?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat, to keep everything fresh.