Healthy Mediterranean Greek Cobb Salad with Chicken
🎉 Introduction
Welcome to a vibrant fusion of flavors with our Healthy Mediterranean Greek Cobb Salad with Chicken! This salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Cobb salad, bringing in the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Packed with nutritious ingredients and topped with marinated chicken, it’s not only colorful but also a complete meal in a bowl. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Grill pan or skillet
- Serving plates
- Whisk
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon vinaigrette dressing (1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with this marinade and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Grill or sauté the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, avocado, and parsley.
Step 5: In another small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create your lemon vinaigrette dressing.
Step 6: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
Step 7: Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken and serve immediately on individual plates.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat the chicken, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture. Be sure to add fresh ingredients if desired before serving.
🥄 Variations
- Substitute grilled shrimp or chickpeas for the chicken for a seafood or vegetarian option.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for extra flavor.
- Incorporate quinoa or farro for added texture and nutrition.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I prepare the salad in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing and avocado right before serving to keep them fresh.
Q: What can I use instead of feta cheese?
A: You can use goat cheese or omit cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free. Just be sure to check your dressing for any hidden gluten.
Q: How can I make this salad vegan?
A: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas and omit the feta cheese.
Q: What are some good toppings for this salad?
A: Some great toppings include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or additional herbs like cilantro or basil.
Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to include your favorite vegetables such as carrots, radishes, or celery.
Q: What dressing pairs well with this salad?
A: The lemon vinaigrette works beautifully, but you can also try a balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing.
Q: How long does the grilled chicken last in the fridge?
A: Grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if stored properly.
Q: Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I add fruits to this salad?
A: Definitely! Adding fruits like strawberries or oranges can provide a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
🏁 Conclusion
This Healthy Mediterranean Greek Cobb Salad with Chicken is a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavors. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping for the week, it’s a versatile dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the freshness and healthiness of the Mediterranean diet right in your own home!
Healthy Mediterranean Greek Cobb Salad with Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with this marinade and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- Grill or sauté the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, avocado, and parsley.
- In another small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create your lemon vinaigrette dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
- Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken and serve immediately on individual plates.
Notes
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat the chicken, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture. Be sure to add fresh ingredients if desired before serving. Variations:
- Substitute grilled shrimp or chickpeas for the chicken for a seafood or vegetarian option.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for extra flavor.
- Incorporate quinoa or farro for added texture and nutrition.
