Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse them with flavor.
- Heat Skillet or Grill Pan: Place a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and allow it to warm up, ensuring a good sear for the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts onto the heated pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then slice into strips.
- Prepare Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the romaine lettuce or mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and pitted Kalamata olives.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble Salad: Add the sliced chicken on top of the vegetable mixture, drizzle the lemon-olive oil dressing over everything, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to mix all ingredients and coat them evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Grilling the chicken imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture and slightly different flavor.
- Serve this salad with warm pita bread or a side of hummus to make a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- For meal prepping, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers; the salad keeps fresh up to 3 days refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Salad
- Method: Stovetop, Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
