Recipes Greek Salad With Grilled Chicken

Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken: A Mediterranean Delight

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this tantalizing Greek salad featuring succulent grilled chicken. This classic dish combines fresh, crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing to create a symphony of tastes and textures.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped red onions
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the Grilled Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Assemble the Salad:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese.
2. Add the sliced grilled chicken to the salad.

Make the Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Combine the Salad and Dressing:

1. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
2. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips:

• For a more flavorful salad, use ripe, seasonal vegetables.
• If you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can use black or green olives instead.
• To add a bit of sweetness, add a few chopped dates or raisins to the salad.
• If you prefer a creamy dressing, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• For a vegetarian version of this salad, omit the grilled chicken and add extra vegetables, such as chickpeas or lentils.

Variations:

• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Add cooked quinoa to the salad for a boost of protein and fiber.
• Grilled Halloumi Salad: Replace the grilled chicken with grilled halloumi cheese for a salty and savory twist.
• Watermelon Feta Salad: Add cubes of fresh watermelon to the salad for a refreshing summer treat.
• Cucumber Tomato Salad: Omit the lettuce and grilled chicken for a lighter and more refreshing salad.

Nutritional Information:

One serving of Greek salad with grilled chicken (approximately 1 cup) contains:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4 grams
• Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
• Sodium: 500 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Conclusion:

Greek salad with grilled chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a flavorful main course. Its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and tangy flavors make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy and satisfying meal or simply want to experience the taste of the Mediterranean, this salad is sure to impress.