Looking to elevate your lunch game or impress your dinner guests with a vibrant, healthy dish? Look no further than this Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad with Chimichurri Vinaigrette! Bursting with fresh flavors, tender grilled chicken, and a zesty chimichurri dressing, this salad is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transports your taste buds straight to the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delightful dish that serves four, perfect for sharing or meal prepping for the week. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality salad right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup chimichurri sauce
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear during grilling.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare the grill.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it on the stove over medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them to allow for nice grill marks.
- Flip the chicken breasts and continue grilling for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
- Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the salad mixture.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
- Drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the salad, using about half of the sauce to start. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve the Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad immediately, garnished with additional chimichurri sauce if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful meal!
Tips
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to an hour will enhance the flavor even more.
- Grill Marks Matter: To achieve those beautiful grill marks, avoid moving the chicken around too much while it's cooking. Let it sear for the designated time before flipping.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match your greens! Spinach, arugula, or even kale can add different textures and flavors to your salad.
- Chimichurri Variations: Experiment with your chimichurri by adding different herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Serve Fresh: For the best taste, serve the salad immediately after tossing with the chimichurri to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad can be made ahead of time! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 185kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 17g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 41mg
