Grilled Chicken Greek Salad
Try this Grilled Chicken Greek Salad recipe.
Try this Grilled Chicken Greek Salad recipe.
- 1 1/2 lbs. chicken tenders pounded to an even thickness
- sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon each + more for finishing â£â£â£â£
- 4 tbsps high quality extra virgin olive oil dividedâ£â£â£â£
- 1 tbsp dried oreganoâ£â£â£â£
- 2 large english cucumbers halved lengthways and sliced â£â£â£â£
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes halvedâ£â£â£â£
- 1 large bell pepper (color of choice i used yellow), seeded and choppedâ£â£â£â£
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives â£â£â£â£
- 1 small red onion chopped or sliced thinâ£â£â£â£
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheeseâ£â£â£â£
- 2 tbsps white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar â£â£â£â£
- Carbohydrate 45.8792200043851 g
- Cholesterol 66.75 mg
- Fat 24.3052600061989 g
- Fiber 9.98940007470467 g
- Protein 16.8223800006187 g
- Saturated Fat 12.323620000838 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (774g)
- Sodium 1464.81400049555 mg
- Sugar 35.8898199296804 g
- Trans Fat 1.64149200028647 g
- Calories 444 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the chicken tenders into a ziplock bag, or sealable container and add in dried oregano, 2 Tbsps oil, and sea salt and pepper. Combine well to coat your chicken, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to overnight.
- Heat a large non-stick grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or just until nicely charred and cooked through.
- Set aside on a plate and once cool enough to handle tear it, shred it, or chop it into small bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl add chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, olives and onion.
- Sprinkle with crumbled cheese and season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper to your taste.
- Drizzle with remaining oil and vinegar.
- Gently toss to combine and enjoy!
My Go-To Grilled Chicken Greek Salad: A Taste of Summer
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Grilled Chicken Greek Salad has become a staple in our household, a vibrant and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. It's so versatile; I can easily adjust it based on what fresh produce I have on hand, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. The grilling of the chicken adds a delightful smoky char that elevates the entire dish. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and briny olives, all tossed together with a light vinaigrette, is a symphony of flavors and textures. The crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, tangy kick that perfectly complements the other ingredients. And let’s not forget the fresh herbs – a sprinkle of oregano adds a beautiful Mediterranean touch.
What I love most about this salad is its adaptability. I often swap out ingredients based on what’s in season or what I have in my fridge. Sometimes I’ll add some artichoke hearts for extra heartiness, or maybe some Kalamata olives for a more intense salty flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of lettuce, or even add some chickpeas for a boost of protein. The possibilities are endless!
This salad is also incredibly quick and easy to prepare. The chicken can be marinated ahead of time, which makes weeknight cooking a breeze. The rest of the salad comes together in minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. And the best part? It’s healthy and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Beyond its deliciousness and convenience, this salad also holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of summer vacations spent in Greece. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors transport me back to those sunny days spent by the sea, enjoying leisurely meals with family and friends. It's a dish that embodies the spirit of summer, bringing warmth and sunshine to even the dreariest of days.
The grilling process is key to achieving that perfect smoky flavor. I prefer using a cast-iron skillet, but you can certainly use an outdoor grill as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. And don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your own perfect combination. A little bit of lemon zest can also add a lovely brightness to the dish.
To make this salad even more of a complete meal, I often serve it with a side of crusty bread or pita chips. It’s the perfect way to soak up the delicious vinaigrette. And for a heartier meal, you can even add some grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
So, the next time you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, give this Grilled Chicken Greek Salad a try. It's a recipe that I know you'll come back to time and time again.
Tips and Variations:
- Marinate the chicken for longer: For even more flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight.
- Add different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or artichoke hearts.
- Use different cheese: Feta is traditional, but you can also use goat cheese or another type of cheese you enjoy.
- Add some crunch: Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds add a nice crunchy texture.
- Make it a meal prep: This salad is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time, then assemble the salad just before serving.
Enjoy!
