Grilled Greek Chicken Salad with Zesty LemonHerb Vinaigrette

Grilled Greek Chicken Salad With Zesty Lemonherb

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Craving summer meals dinner that transports you to the Greek Isles? This grilled Greek chicken salad is your ticket. It’s a flavour bomb of lemon herb vinaigrette goodness that's seriously addictive.
Honestly, is there anything better than this kind of light and fresh food?
Brief Overview
This vibrant salad hails from the Mediterranean, where fresh ingredients reign supreme. It’s an easy summer dinner recipe, taking about an hour from start to finish (including marinating time).
This recipe yields four generous servings, perfect for a family Mediterranean dinner recipes or a small gathering.
Main Benefits
Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, this healthy summer dinner is guilt-free and delicious. It's the perfect dish for a casual backyard BBQ or a light lunch.
What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of juicy grilled chicken, salty feta, and that zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Honestly, that dressing alone is worth making this Greek salad recipe!.
It's also one of my favourite easy summer dinner recipes to make when I have friends over. Picture this: the sun is setting, glasses of chilled wine are clinking, and everyone is diving into this vibrant feta and olive salad .
It just feels like a proper summer night, you know? I even made a similar dish to this grilled greek chicken salad for a summer dinner party last week, and it was a massive hit!.
You know those days where you just want something quick, healthy, and utterly delicious? That’s when this recipe shines. It’s my go-to for light summer meals that don’t compromise on flavour.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk grub! We're diving into the heart of this Grilled Greek Chicken Salad . This salad is perfect for those easy summer dinner recipes .
Honestly, it tastes like sunshine and holidays. Think Mykonos nights and the smell of lemon groves. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients for the Best Summer Meals Dinner
First up, the chicken . You'll need 4 boneless, skinless breasts. Aim for around 6 oz (170g) each. For quality, look for chicken that is pink and firm. No weird smells, okay?
Next, the marinade: 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano, ½ tsp (2.
5 ml) dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
The salad needs: 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 pint (450g) halved cherry tomatoes, ½ thinly sliced red onion, ½ cup (80g) halved Kalamata olives, and 4 oz (115g) crumbled feta.
Oh my gosh, the feta.
Finally, the vinaigrette: 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice, 1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh parsley and mint, ½ tsp (2.
5 ml) dried oregano, and some salt and pepper.
Seasoning Notes for Grilled Greek Chicken Salad
Oregano is key for that Greek flavour. Don't skip it. Lemon is your friend. Fresh is always best. If you’re missing mint, double up on the parsley.
A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick.
Equipment Needed for this Mediterranean Dinner Recipes
You'll need a grill. Gas or charcoal, whatever you fancy. Mixing bowls, a whisk, a cutting board, and a good knife.
A meat thermometer is handy. Aim for a final internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) for the chicken.
Tongs are a must for flipping the chicken.
Common Household Alternatives
No grill? Use a grill pan on your hob. No fresh herbs? Dried will do in a pinch. Honestly, it'll still be lush.
No red wine vinegar? White wine vinegar works just as well. No thermometer? Cut into the thickest part of the chicken, if it is white all the way through it's ok.
Alright, let's dive into the how of this amazing grilled greek chicken salad . Honestly, it’s easier than ordering a takeaway. I promise! You know?
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
This part is all about getting your ducks in a row. It's essential. Start by mincing 2 cloves of garlic.
Juice those lemons! You'll need 2 tbsp (30 ml) for the marinade and 2 tbsp (30 ml) for the vinaigrette.
Next, chop the cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes. Crumble that lovely feta cheese. Time-saving tip? Do this while the chicken marinates.
A simple lemon herb vinaigrette is so fresh!
Marinating Magic
Whisk together 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice, 2 minced cloves garlic, 1 tsp (5 ml) oregano, 1/2 tsp (2.
5 ml) thyme, 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) salt, and 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) pepper. Pop those 4 chicken breasts in a bag with the marinade.
Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes , or up to 4 hours .
Don't over-marinate it, or the chicken will get a bit mushy, innit?
Get Grilling: Chicken Perfection
Here's how to grill chicken and not mess it up.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade. Discard the marinade.
- Grill the chicken for 6- 8 minutes per side.
- Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Assembling Your Greek Masterpiece
Right, now for the fun part! Combine your chopped veg, olives, and feta in a big bowl. Slice the grilled chicken.
Add the chicken to the salad. Drizzle with the lemon-herb vinaigrette. Toss gently. Boom! You've got yourself a taste of the Mediterranean.
Pro Tips for Salad Superstardom
Want to take this summer salad recipes to the next level? Don't overcrowd the grill. The chicken will steam instead of sear.
Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning. Make it ahead. You can prep all the components in advance. This is perfect for those easy summer meals dinner .
You can have a healthy summer dinner , too.
This grilled greek chicken salad is my go-to meal when I want something light, flavorful, and doesn't require me to spend hours in the kitchen.
It's one of the easy summer dinner recipes I always recommend. I reckon you'll love this Mediterranean dinner recipes . It's the best way to get that "Greek summer dinner" vibe, even if you're stuck in rainy old England! Enjoy your feta and olive salad !
Recipe Notes
This grilled greek chicken salad isn't just a recipe; it's an experience. It reminds me of that trip to Greece.
Sipping wine under the stars. Pure bliss. Here's how to make it your own.
Serving Suggestions: A Taste of the Mediterranean
Want to impress? Plate this beauty artfully. Arrange the salad on a platter. Fan the grilled chicken slices on top.
Then, drizzle generously with that vibrant lemon herb vinaigrette . For sides, think grilled pita bread for dipping. A dollop of tzatziki on the side would not go amiss.
For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Or a light, dry rosé works wonders. This screams easy summer dinner recipes .
Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Store the salad and vinaigrette separately. This prevents soggy veggies. Refrigerate in airtight containers. The salad will keep for up to 2 days .
The vinaigrette? Up to 5 days . Freezing isn't recommended. The veggies will lose their texture. To reheat, simply toss the salad with the vinaigrette.
And serve chilled. It is one of the best summer salad recipes to have!
Variations: Make It Your Own
Feeling adventurous? Let's tweak this Greek salad recipe . For a dairy-free version, skip the feta. Or try a vegan feta alternative.
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
If you're avoiding gluten, make sure that you are using gluten-free flatbread, or no flatbread at all! No mint? Parsley.
No red onion? Any milder onion. And you can easily turn it into the ideal of light summer meals .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This salad is packed with nutrients. We are talking lean protein from the chicken. Plus, healthy fats from the olive oil.
And a ton of vitamins from all those fresh veggies. Feta adds calcium. Olives provide antioxidants.
A serving clocks in around 420 calories. It has 40g of protein, 25g of fat, and 10g of carbs. This makes it a fantastic healthy summer dinners option.
So, go on. Give this recipe a whirl. This Mediterranean dinner recipes is a crowd-pleaser. You will be transported to a Greek summer dinner . Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this grilled greek chicken summer meals dinner ahead of time?
You can definitely prep components ahead! Make the vinaigrette and marinate the chicken earlier in the day. Chop the veggies and store them separately. Just wait to assemble the salad until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp, a soggy salad is a right pain.
How do I store leftovers of this summer meals dinner?
Store any leftover chicken and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days, as the vegetables may soften over time, nobody likes sad salad. The chicken can be stored for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, you can toss the chicken and salad with a bit of fresh vinaigrette.
I don't have a grill, can I still make this Greek chicken salad?
Absolutely! You can pan-fry the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Use medium-high heat and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. You could even bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. A George Foreman grill would also work wonders.
What are some variations I can try with this summer meals dinner?
Get creative! Add some grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option. Consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a concentrated burst of flavour. For a heartier meal, serve the salad over quinoa or couscous. It's your salad, so go for it!
Is this Grilled Greek Chicken Salad recipe healthy?
This recipe is a great option for a healthy and balanced meal! It's packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil and feta cheese. Just be mindful of portion sizes, especially with the feta. To keep the calorie count down, you could also reduce the amount of olive oil used in the vinaigrette, or leave the feta out completely. I wouldn't recommend it, but you can.
What if I can’t find Kalamata olives? What’s a good substitute in this summer meals dinner?
No worries if you can’t find Kalamata olives; they can be a bit tricky to find, I know. Good substitutes include other brined olives, such as Niçoise or Castelvetrano olives. These olives have a similar briny and slightly fruity flavour profile that complements the Greek-inspired flavours of the salad. If you really can’t find any of those, you can use regular black olives, but keep in mind that they'll have a milder taste, so maybe add a squeeze more lemon juice to perk things up.