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Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad
If you're seeking a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen, this Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad is the perfect culinary journey for you. This salad is a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a harmonious and satisfying meal. With influences from Greece, Italy, and beyond, this salad captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in every bite. Whether you're a fan of bold flavors, a health-conscious diner, or simply looking for a delicious and colorful dish, this salad checks all the boxes. In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece featuring succulent grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette that ties it all together.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
In a small bowl, mix the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mix over the chicken breasts.
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the chicken with olive oil and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together your favorite vinaigrette or try a Mediterranean-style dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together.
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve your Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
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Marinate the chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
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Perfectly grilled chicken: Make sure your grill is well preheated, and don’t flip the chicken too soon; let it develop those beautiful grill marks.
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Customizable dressing: Experiment with different Mediterranean dressings, like balsamic vinaigrette or tzatziki sauce, to find your favorite flavor profile.
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Fresh ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables and herbs you can find for the most authentic Mediterranean experience.
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Make it a meal: This salad pairs wonderfully with a side of warm pita bread or couscous for a more substantial meal.
Is this Mediterranean grilled chicken salad suitable for vegetarians?
This specific Mediterranean grilled chicken salad recipe includes grilled chicken, but you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken or substituting it with grilled tofu or halloumi cheese.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before assembling the salad.
What type of olives are best for this Mediterranean grilled chicken salad?
Kalamata olives are a classic choice for Mediterranean salads due to their rich and slightly salty flavor.
How long can I store the dressed salad?
To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and combine it with the salad just before serving. This way, it can be refrigerated for up to two days.
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have feta?
While feta cheese is traditional, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even Parmesan for a slightly different flavor.
Read more here for additional info about chicken salad. Also, I recommend other interesting articles and recipes related to this topic, including creamy chicken salad, cold mushroom and chicken salad appetizer, leftover chicken and corn salad, vegetable chicken salad appetizer, leftover BBQ chicken salad, classic chicken salad with grapes, chicken Caesar salad, Chinese chicken salad, chicken macaroni salad, Buffalo chicken salad, curry chicken salad with grapes, Asian chicken salad with peanut dressing, authentic Thai chicken salad, southwest chicken salad, avocado chicken salad, and more.