Description
Succulent Mediterranean Chicken Salad blends tangy marinated chicken with crisp greens and zesty herbs. Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 (2) boneless chicken breasts
Marinade Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Salad Components:
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- Red onion
- Feta cheese (optional)
- Dressing of choice (balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, etc.)
Instructions
- Blend olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish to create a vibrant marinade for the chicken breasts.
- Submerge chicken completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light cooking spray.
- Transfer marinated chicken from the dish to the prepared baking sheet, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
- Roast chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure complete cooking.
- Remove chicken from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
- Slice chicken into thin, uniform strips across the grain for optimal tenderness.
- In a large salad bowl, layer mixed greens as a fresh foundation.
- Scatter sliced cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion over the greens.
- Arrange warm chicken strips artfully on top of the vegetable bed.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad for a tangy, creamy element.
- Finish by drizzling your preferred dressing, ensuring even distribution across the salad.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense taste infusion.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
- Substitute feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to personalize the marinade and add complexity to the chicken’s flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg