Easy and Healthy Greek Chicken Chopped Salad
Craving a light, refreshing, and protein-packed meal? This Easy and Healthy Greek Chicken Chopped Salad is the perfect solution! Loaded with crisp veggies, juicy grilled chicken, and a tangy homemade Greek dressing, this salad is as satisfying as it is nutritious. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s a breeze to whip up and keeps you feeling energized all day.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for chicken)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
Lemon wedges
Chopped parsley
Directions
Grill the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Prepare the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
Make the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
Top the salad with the grilled chicken slices. Drizzle the lemon-herb vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve
Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately
Tips and Tricks
Marinate the Chicken: For the juiciest and most flavorful chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes or overnight in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Greek seasoning.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, crisp vegetables like Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes to keep the salad vibrant.
Cheese Alternatives: Traditional feta is a must for authentic flavor, but you can use a reduced-fat version or vegan feta for dietary needs.
Homemade Dressing: Skip store-bought dressings and whip up your own Greek vinaigrette with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Chop Everything Evenly: Cut all the ingredients into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and consistent flavor in every bite.
Meal Prep: Store the salad ingredients (except dressing) separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Add the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Make it a Wrap: Turn this salad into a wrap using whole-grain tortillas for an easy, portable meal.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, serves 4)
Calories: 300-350
Protein: 30-35g
Carbohydrates: 10-12g
Fiber: 3-4g
Sugars: 4-6g
Fat: 15-20g
Saturated Fat: 4-6g
Cholesterol: 80-100mg
Sodium: 400-500mg