Description
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a bright lemon herb dressing served over a bed of crisp mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, olives, and topped with creamy feta cheese for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 5 cups mixed greens
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup olives, pitted and sliced
- Additional olive oil and lemon juice for drizzling
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked with nice grill marks.
- Rest and Slice: Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Top the salad mixture with sliced grilled chicken and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle additional olive oil and lemon juice over the salad as a dressing just before serving. Toss gently if desired and serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Add cooked quinoa to the salad for a heartier and more filling meal.
- Store the lemon herb dressing separately if preparing the salad in advance to keep greens crisp.
- The marinade can be made up to 24 hours ahead for more intense flavor.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative for juicier meat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
