Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Indulge in a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Salad that's perfect for any summer meal. This recipe delivers a delightful combination of textures, fresh vegetables, protein-packed chicken, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, making it a wholesome and satisfying main course.

Ingredients

🍗 2 boneless chicken breasts
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinade)
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🍃 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🌶 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
🌿 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for marinade and garnish)
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🥬 4 cups chopped lettuce
🧆 1/2 cup hummus
🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
🥒 1 cucumber, diced
🫒 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
🧀 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
🧅 1/4 cup pickled red onions
🍋 Juice of 1 lemon
🍷 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
🫒 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
🧄 1 clove garlic, crushed
🍃 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1- Marinate the Chicken:

Slice the chicken breasts into thin pieces.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, half of the chopped parsley, and minced garlic.
Add the chicken slices to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Set aside to marinate while preparing other ingredients.

2- Cook the Chicken:

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Cook the marinated chicken slices until both sides are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Remove from the pan and let it cool slightly before chopping into smaller pieces.

3- Prepare the Dressing:

In a jar, combine lemon juice, crushed garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Close the jar and shake vigorously until the dressing is well-emulsified.

4- Assemble the Salad:

In a large salad bowl, create a base with the chopped lettuce.
Add a generous spoonful of hummus on top of the lettuce.
Layer with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, chopped chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and pickled red onions.
Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley.

5- Serve:

Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette dressing over the salad just before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean Chicken Salad!

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 420
Protein: 32g
Fats: 28g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Equipment: Non-stick pan, mixing bowls, jar with lid