Mediterranean BBQ Chicken Salad
This Mediterranean BBQ Chicken Salad is a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying meal ready in no time. Tender BBQ chicken sits atop crisp greens and Mediterranean-inspired vegetables, enhanced with creamy feta, olives, and avocado. A versatile dressing—either Mediterranean-style or BBQ ranch—ties all the flavors together. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or meal prep for the week.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional marinating)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
BBQ sauce (enough to coat chicken)
1–2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Mediterranean spices: dried oregano, garlic powder, lemon juice
For the Salad Base
Mixed greens or chopped Romaine lettuce
Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, diced or sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Avocado, sliced or diced
Crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing
Mediterranean-inspired Dressing
Olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Red wine vinegar
Minced garlic
Dried oregano and/or basil
Salt and pepper
Option 2: BBQ Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing
BBQ sauce
Lime juice (optional)
Optional Add-ins
Black beans and corn for a Southwest twist
Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill
Roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts
Croutons or toasted nuts/seeds for crunch
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat grill, grill pan, or oven to medium-high heat.
Brush chicken with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and optional Mediterranean spices.
Grill or bake for 6–8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl or on a platter, combine mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, avocado, and crumbled feta.
Add any optional ingredients like black beans, corn, roasted peppers, or herbs.
Make the Dressing:
Mediterranean Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
BBQ Ranch Dressing: Mix ranch dressing with BBQ sauce and lime juice until smooth.
Assemble the Salad:
Top the salad with sliced BBQ chicken.
Drizzle with your chosen dressing and toss lightly to combine, or serve the dressing on the side.
Garnish with croutons or toasted nuts/seeds if desired.
Tips
Cook chicken evenly: Pound thicker chicken breasts slightly to ensure uniform cooking.
Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and prepare the dressing in advance for faster assembly.
Control creaminess: Serve dressing on the side if you want a lighter salad or for meal prep purposes.
Avocado tip: Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Variations
Protein swap: Use grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the chicken or dressing.
Grain bowl option: Serve over cooked quinoa, couscous, or farro for a heartier meal.
Cheese alternatives: Swap feta for goat cheese or halloumi for a different flavor profile.
Southwest twist: Add black beans, corn, and roasted red peppers to give the salad a Southwest flair.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds on top for texture.
Mediterranean flair: Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or capers for more Mediterranean flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes. Chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing in advance. Keep the chicken separate until just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Q: Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely. Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and works perfectly for this salad.
Q: Which dressing should I choose?
A: Use the Mediterranean-inspired dressing for a lighter, tangy flavor, or the BBQ ranch for a richer, smoky taste. Both pair well with the chicken and vegetables.
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes. Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, swap feta with a plant-based cheese, and use a vegan ranch or olive oil–lemon dressing.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~350
Protein: ~28g
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~18g
Fiber: ~5g
Sugar: ~6g
Sodium: ~550mg
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on BBQ sauce, dressing, and chicken choice.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean BBQ Chicken Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and versatile meal that combines smoky, tender chicken with crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and your choice of dressing. Quick to prepare, customizable to your taste, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s a satisfying way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors with a BBQ twist.