Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny coastlines of the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen? This mouthwatering Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines fresh, vibrant ingredients with perfectly grilled chicken, creating a dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a crowd-pleasing recipe that screams summer, this salad will become your new go-to favorite that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over the chicken breasts to ensure they are well-coated.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This will be your dressing.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into strips.
- Add the sliced chicken to the salad mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve the Mediterranean grilled chicken salad immediately, garnished with additional feta cheese or olives if desired. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Tips
- Chicken Grilling Secrets: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for the perfect 165°F internal temperature.
- Marinade Magic: For extra flavor, marinate your chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling using a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
- Salad Freshness: Chop vegetables just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent wilting.
- Dressing Tip: Make your dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to let flavors meld together.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add additional Mediterranean ingredients like cucumber, roasted red peppers, or swap feta for goat cheese to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 309kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 34g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg