Oh, the magic of Mediterranean flavors! This chicken salad—it’s not just a salad, it’s like a taste tour of the sun-kissed coasts, packed with vibrant veggies and juicy chicken that practically dances on your tongue. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re lounging seaside, even if you’re just sitting in your own backyard.
Steps
- Combine the marinade and dressing ingredients in a large jug, then separate half into a shallow dish for marinating the chicken. Keep the remaining marinade in the fridge for later as the dressing.
- Add the chicken to the marinade in the dish and let it soak for 15-30 minutes, or up to two hours if you have more time. Meanwhile, prepare the salad ingredients and toss them together in a big salad bowl.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil on a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken on both sides until it’s golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes, then slice it and place it on top of the salad. Drizzle the untouched marinade over the salad as a dressing and serve with lemon wedges.
- Optionally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta over the salad for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Cracked pepper to taste
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thigh fillets or chicken breasts
- 4 cups Romaine or Cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata or black olives, sliced (optional)
- 2 lemon wedges for serving
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 680kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 216mg | Sodium: 1746mg | Potassium: 1852mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 9470IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- Can the marinade be used as a salad dressing?
- Yes, the marinade for the chicken doubles as a salad dressing. The recipe is designed to use the same flavorful mixture for both purposes, simplifying the preparation process and enhancing the overall taste.
- What are some optional toppings for the Grilled Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad?
- You can enhance the salad by adding crumbled feta or goat’s cheese to complement the Mediterranean flavors. These options are included in the recipe for added taste and texture.
- How long should the chicken be marinated?
- The chicken should be marinated for at least 15-30 minutes. However, if time permits, you can marinate it for up to two hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor infusion.
- What are the nutritional details of this salad?
- The Grilled Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad contains approximately 340 calories, 15g of carbohydrates, 25g of protein, and 21g of fat per serving. Additional nutrient information includes 4g of saturated fat, 108mg of cholesterol, and 926mg of potassium. Please note that these values are estimates.
- Can I substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts?
- Absolutely, you can use skinless, boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer. Both options work well with the marinade and grilling process, allowing for flexibility based on personal preference.
Tips
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15-30 minutes, but if you have time, let it sit for up to two hours in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
- Use the same mixture for both marinating the chicken and dressing the salad to streamline the process and maintain consistent flavors throughout the dish.
- Consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese on top of the salad for an extra layer of flavor, even though it’s optional.
- Let the grilled chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it. This helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.
Equipment
- Grill pan or grill plate
- Large salad bowl
- Large jug for mixing marinade/dressing
- Shallow dish for marinating chicken
