Grilled Chicken Salad Showdown–Mediterranean Style (For Recipe, Click Here/Show More)

#mediterranean #chicken #grilledchicken #grilledchickensalad #salad #easyrecipe #easycooking

Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients: Serves-4
Salad:
2 grilled chicken breasts, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Mixed greens (enough to serve as a bed for the salad)

Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Grill 2 chicken breasts until fully cooked, then dice them into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Vegetables:
Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes.
Dice 1 cucumber.
Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onions.
Pit and halve 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives.

Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onions, and Kalamata olives.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Serve:
Lay a bed of mixed greens on a serving platter or individual plates.
Spoon the Mediterranean chicken salad mixture over the greens.

Optional Additions:
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu.
Add crumbled feta cheese for extra richness and flavor.

Optional Salad Dressing
Punchy Optional Dressing Recipe:
Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Combine Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Adjust to Taste:
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, honey, or vinegar according to your preference.
Serve:
Drizzle the optional dressing over the Mediterranean chicken salad just before serving, or serve it on the side for guests to add as desired.

Table Service:
Serve the salad in large, shallow bowls or on plates to showcase the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.
Provide additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill for garnish.
Place a small bowl of extra dressing on the table for guests who might like to add more.

Complimentary Foods:

Appetizers:
Hummus with pita bread
Stuffed grape leaves (dolmas)
Tzatziki with cucumber slices

Sides:
Roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant)
Quinoa or couscous salad
Greek yogurt with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs

Breads:
Warm, crusty bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
Pita bread

Complimentary Beverages:
Non-Alcoholic:
Sparkling water with lemon or lime
Iced herbal tea, such as mint or chamomile
A light, refreshing Lemonade or citrus-infused soda water

Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Salad, complemented by delicious sides and beverages that enhance the fresh, vibrant flavors typical of Mediterranean cuisine!

Meal Culture & Philosophy:
The Mediterranean diet isn’t just about food; it’s a holistic lifestyle rooted in traditions. Emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, it promotes health and flavor. Mealtime embodies communal dining, fostering connection and savoring each bite.

History of Mediterranean Chicken Salad:
Mediterranean chicken salad reflects the evolution of Mediterranean cuisine. While salads with fresh vegetables and olive oil are centuries-old staples, the addition of grilled chicken is a modern twist, blending hearty protein with vibrant produce. The dressing, with olive oil, lemon, and garlic, enhances its Mediterranean essence.

Overall Significance:
Mediterranean chicken salad embodies Mediterranean culture and cuisine. It celebrates seasonal abundance and communal dining while offering the timeless appeal of Mediterranean flavors. Whether enjoyed on a sunny terrace or at a family gathering, it invites us to appreciate the simple pleasures of good food and company.

today we’re diving into a Mediterranean chicken salad that’s perfect for summer start with two grilled chicken breasts diced add 1 cup cherry tomatoes haved one cucumber diced 1/4 cup red onions thinly sliced and 1/2 cup calamada olives for the dressing whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil 2 TP lemon juice 1 TP Dijon mustard one minced garlic clove and salt and pepper to taste toss all ingredients in a bowl ensuring even coating serve over a bed of mixed greens this dish is not not only high in protein but also bursting with flavor it’s quick to prepare and versatile swap chicken for tofu or add feta for extra richness for appetizers consider hummus with P bread stuffed grape leaves domas or tsiki with cucumber slices for sides add Greek yogurt with a drizzle of olive oil and a Sprinkle of herbs serving with herbal mint iced tea this recipe highlights the fresh vibrant flavors typical of Mediterranean Cuisine bringing a touch of the sunny Coast to your table