Grilled Chicken Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Feta Recipe

Introduction

This grilled chicken salad combines smoky, seasoned chicken with fresh, vibrant vegetables and creamy feta. It’s a perfect light lunch or dinner that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

A white plate holds a fresh salad with several layers arranged clearly. The bottom layer is green lettuce leaves that spread across the plate. On top of the lettuce, there are sliced cucumbers with a pale green center and darker green edges, along with halved bright red cherry tomatoes. There are also crumbled white cheese pieces and dark purple olive slices scattered around. In the middle on top of the salad are five slices of grilled chicken breast, golden brown with grill marks and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The salad also has light green avocado slices near the chicken. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 7 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; preheat for 5 minutes or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. In a medium bowl, sprinkle the chicken all over with oregano and coriander. Season with salt and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss to coat.
  2. Step 2: Grill the chicken, covered, turning halfway through, until slightly charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, parsley, and remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Step 4: Divide the chopped romaine, sliced cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta among serving bowls. Top each with sliced grilled chicken and drizzle with the prepared dressing.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices for 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Substitute kale or spinach for romaine to add more nutrients.
  • Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
  • Use lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar for a brighter dressing.

Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken and salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar. When ready to eat, toss everything together and enjoy. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave if preferred warm.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a fresh salad with several layers: the bottom layer is light green lettuce leaves scattered all around, on top of which are bright green cucumber slices arranged on the right side, red grape tomato halves placed near the top right, and dark purple olive halves scattered throughout. On the left and middle layers, there are five slices of grilled chicken breast with a golden-brown sear, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. Crumbled white cheese is spread unevenly across the salad, adding texture and contrast. The whole salad is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Grill them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy, flavorful meat.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Slice the avocado just before serving and toss it with a little lemon or lime juice to slow browning. Adding it to the salad right before serving ensures it stays fresh.

Print
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Grilled Chicken Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Feta Recipe


  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Grilled Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful meal featuring tender, herb-seasoned grilled chicken served atop a vibrant mix of romaine, cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all drizzled with a tangy red wine vinegar and parsley dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 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
  • 7 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

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 cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Grill and Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. In a medium bowl, season the chicken breasts evenly with dried oregano, ground coriander, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and toss the chicken to coat thoroughly.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cover if possible. Grill for about 8 minutes per side, turning halfway through, until the chicken is nicely charred on the outside and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  3. Make the Dressing: While the chicken is grilling, whisk together the red wine vinegar, finely chopped fresh parsley, and remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Divide the chopped romaine hearts, sliced cucumbers, avocado, halved tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese evenly among serving bowls. Top each salad with the sliced grilled chicken.
  5. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salads just before serving. Toss lightly if desired or serve as is for a composed salad.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Use a grill pan if outdoor grilling is not available.
  • Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Adjust vinegar quantity in the dressing according to your acidity preference.
  • Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in other dishes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: grilled chicken salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy chicken salad, feta salad, grilled chicken recipe

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