Mediterranean Chicken Salad 🥗🇬🇷

This Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a vibrant and delicious meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. It's packed with flavor from fresh vegetables, zesty herbs, and marinated grilled chicken. Not only is it healthy and refreshing, but it's also easy to prepare and can be prepped ahead of time for a busy week!

Pair this salad with pita bread or falafel for a complete Mediterranean feast! 🥙✨

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

🥄 Make sure to taste the dressing as you go; feel free to adjust the acidity and seasoning according to your preference.

2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.

3. Add the chicken: Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken breast and crumbled feta cheese.

4. Dress it up: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients until they're well coated.

5. Garnish and serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour to let the flavors meld.

🧊 If you're preparing the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to keep the greens crisp.

Variations

• Grilled Veggie Option: For a vegetarian version, swap out chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
• Add Quinoa: For extra protein and texture, mix in cooked quinoa to make it a heartier meal. 🍚
• Spice it Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!
• Herbed Chicken: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling for even more flavor.

Feel free to get creative with your ingredients—substituting seasonal veggies or adding your favorite nuts can make this salad your own signature dish! Enjoy! 🎉🥗