Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this Grilled Chicken and Greek Salad combo!
🍋🌿 Juicy, herb-marinated chicken meets a fresh, tangy salad with feta and olives. Perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or summer BBQs!
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the Mediterranean Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
For the Greek Salad:
- 2 cups (200g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (150g) Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup (100g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups (150g) chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and rosemary (if using).
- Add chicken breasts, coat well, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
- Prepare the Greek Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and lettuce.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss gently. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Slice chicken breasts and arrange on plates. Serve with a generous portion of Greek salad on the side.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Tips:
- No grill?: Cook chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp oil, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken up to 1 day in advance. Assemble salad (without dressing) and refrigerate; dress just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently to avoid drying out.
- Variations: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Add chickpeas or artichoke hearts to the salad for extra heartiness.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with warm pita bread, tzatziki, or roasted potatoes for a complete Mediterranean meal.
