Description
Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that captures the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean coastline. With its combination of juicy chicken, crisp fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for summer picnics or as a light dinner option, it offers a beautiful balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Let cool before dicing.
- While chicken cools, wash and chop spinach into bite-sized pieces. Slice cucumber and red onion; halve cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and diced chicken.
- Drizzle dressing over salad mixture and toss gently until well-coated.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added protein variations, consider using grilled shrimp or chickpeas. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on seasonal produce or personal preference. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavors.