🥗 Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad

⭐ Overview

Juicy lemon-herb grilled chicken served over crisp greens with creamy avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a zesty Mediterranean vinaigrette.

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🧾 Ingredients (serves 2–3)

For the grilled chicken

• 2 chicken breasts (or 3 chicken thighs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp paprika

• Optional: ¼ tsp cumin

For the salad

• 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or combination)

• 1 large avocado, sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cucumber, sliced

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup Kalamata olives

• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

• Optional: fresh parsley or mint, chopped

For the Mediterranean dressing

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1½ tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Pinch of salt and pepper

• Optional: ½ tsp honey for balance

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🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.

2. Add chicken and coat well.

3. Marinate at least 20–30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).

2. Grill the chicken

1. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high.

2. Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly charred.

3. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.

3. Prepare the dressing

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble the salad

1. Add greens to a large bowl.

2. Top with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, feta, and avocado.

3. Place sliced grilled chicken on top.

4. Drizzle with the Mediterranean dressing.

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🍽️ To Serve

• Serve with warm pita or toasted sourdough.

• Add a spoon of tzatziki for extra creaminess.

• Great as a meal-prep bowl (add avocado just before eating).

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🔄 Variations

• Add grains: Toss in cooked farro, couscous, or quinoa.

• Make it spicier: Add Aleppo pepper or chili flakes.

• Make it dairy-free: Skip feta and add roasted chickpeas for crunch.