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

Cooking Tips:

• For even cooking, slice the chicken evenly.
• Allow the marinade to sit for at least 15 minutes for better flavor absorption.
• Shake the dressing well to ensure it is fully emulsified.

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Mediterranean Chicken Salad