Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
- 5-6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced
For the Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinade the Chicken
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag.
- Add the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated in the marinade.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for the best flavor.
Make the Vinaigrette
- Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
Grill the Chicken
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess.
- Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese (if using), Kalamata olives (if using), and avocado.
- Add the grilled chicken on top.
- Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss to coat.
Tips
Vary Your Veggies: Add grilled corn, bell peppers, or your other favorite vegetables to the salad.
Cheese Options: Substitute feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or shredded Parmesan.
Get Creative with Dressings: Experiment with balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or creamy dressings!
Leftovers: Store leftover chicken and salad components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your fresh and flavorful grilled chicken salad!