Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad: Fresh, Flavorful and Ready in Minutes

Picture this: tender, perfectly seasoned grilled chicken breast resting atop a vibrant bed of crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese. This Mediterranean grilled chicken salad isn’t just another recipe—it’s your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal right at home. What makes this grilled chicken salad special is the beautiful blend of Mediterranean flavors from the herb-infused chicken and the bright, zesty dressing that ties everything together.

A Versatile Meal for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive dish to serve guests, this grilled chicken salad recipe delivers on all fronts. The combination of protein-rich chicken tenders with fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Plus, it’s customizable based on what you have on hand, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

For the Grilled Chicken

• 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

For the Dressing

• 5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad

• 4 romaine hearts, chopped
• 3 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 avocados, thinly sliced
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup halved pitted Kalamata olives
• 4 oz. feta, crumbled

How to Make Grilled Chicken Salad

Preparing and Grilling the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for about 5 minutes (or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat if cooking indoors).
2. In a medium bowl, place the chicken breasts and sprinkle them with oregano and coriander. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the chicken and toss until the breasts are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook covered, turning halfway through, until the chicken is slightly charred on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. This should take approximately 8 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
6. After resting, thinly slice the chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Making the Dressing

1. While the chicken is resting, prepare the dressing by whisking together the red wine vinegar and chopped parsley in a small bowl.
2. Slowly drizzle in the remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil while continuously whisking to create an emulsion.
3. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.

Assembling the Salad

1. Divide the chopped romaine hearts among four serving bowls.
2. Arrange the cucumber slices, avocado slices, halved tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta evenly over each bowl of greens.
3. Top each salad with the sliced grilled chicken.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over each salad just before serving.

Tips & Variations for the Perfect Grilled Chicken Salad

Chicken Seasoning Ideas

Looking to switch up the flavors? The right chicken seasoning for salad can make all the difference. Try these variations:

• Italian herbs: Use a blend of dried basil, thyme, and rosemary instead of the oregano and coriander
• Lemon pepper: Add lemon zest to your seasoning mix for a bright, citrusy flavor
• Cajun style: Use a Cajun spice blend for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the cool vegetables
• Greek seasoning: Try a pre-made Greek seasoning blend for authentic Mediterranean flavors
• Garlic herb: Add minced garlic and fresh herbs to the olive oil marinade for an aromatic boost

Ingredient Substitutions

• Swap romaine for spinach, arugula, or mixed greens
• Replace feta with goat cheese or fresh mozzarella
• Use red onion instead of (or in addition to) cucumbers for more bite
• Try different olives or omit them altogether if they’re not your favorite
• Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flair
• Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon for a seafood variation

Make-Ahead Tips

When preparing grilled chicken for salad in advance:

• Grill the chicken the day before and refrigerate it, then slice just before serving
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the salad’s crispness
• Prep all vegetables ahead of time but add sliced avocado just before serving to prevent browning

Salad Dressings That Pair Well With This Salad

Complementary Homemade Dressing Options

While the red wine vinaigrette in this recipe is perfectly matched to the Mediterranean flavors, you might want to try these alternatives:

• Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing: Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dill for a creamy, tangy option that complements what goes with chicken salad beautifully.
• Honey Dijon Vinaigrette: Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil for a slightly sweet dressing that balances the savory grilled chicken tenders.
• Lemon Herb Dressing: Mix fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced herbs (parsley, oregano, basil), and a touch of honey for a bright, citrusy flavor that enhances the Mediterranean profile.
• Balsamic Glaze: For a sweet-tangy option, drizzle reduced balsamic vinegar over the salad – its rich flavor pairs exceptionally well with the grilled chicken and feta.

What to Serve With This Salad

Main Dish Pairings

When serving this Mediterranean grilled chicken salad as a side, consider these complementary main dishes:

• Grilled or roasted salmon filets
• Mediterranean-style lamb chops
• Lemon herb roasted chicken
• Baked falafel patties
• Shrimp skewers

Side Dish Companions

When the grilled chicken salad is your main course, these sides work wonderfully:

• Warm pita bread or crusty French bread
• Hummus with vegetable crudités
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Quinoa pilaf with herbs
• A light Mediterranean soup, like avgolemono (Greek lemon soup)

Storage Tips for Grilled Chicken Salad

Keeping Your Salad Fresh

This Mediterranean chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it:

• Store the dressed salad for up to 24 hours in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• For longer storage (2-3 days), keep all components separate and assemble just before eating.
• The grilled chicken will keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
• Store the dressing in a separate container for up to 5 days and shake well before using.
• If making this for meal prep, layer components in mason jars with dressing at the bottom and greens at the top, then invert onto a plate when ready to eat.

FAQs About Grilled Chicken Salad

Conclusion

Enjoy This Mediterranean Delight

This Mediterranean grilled chicken salad combines the best elements of fresh, nutritious ingredients with satisfying protein for a meal that’s as good for you as it is delicious. The blend of crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and perfectly seasoned grilled chicken creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will please even the pickiest eaters.

Next time you’re wondering what goes with grilled chicken or searching for a complete meal in a bowl, remember this recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend lunches, or even entertaining guests. Give it a try soon, and discover why this grilled chicken salad recipe deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation!

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