The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe: Your Go-To Light Summer Dinner!

Hello, WiseRecipes readers and fellow salad lovers who believe a salad can be both light and incredibly satisfying! Are you looking for that perfect dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and perfect for a warm evening? Then you are going to absolutely adore my Ultimate Grilled Chicken Salad recipe! We stuffed this salad to the gills with some of our go-to toppings, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Imagine tender, smoky grilled chicken nestled amongst crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, salty feta cheese, briny olives, and creamy avocado, all brought together with a light, zesty dressing. This isn’t just a side dish; this easy mediterranean grilled chicken salad has all the components to be a truly satisfying meal. It may just be your go-to light summer dinner from here on out!

My inspiration for this Grilled Chicken Salad recipe was to create a salad that was both incredibly flavorful and packed with those wonderful, healthy Mediterranean ingredients. It’s the kind of healthy grilled chicken salad with feta and olives that makes you feel good from the inside out. We’ll explore how to make a flavorful light grilled chicken salad that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.

So, if you’re ready for a quick weeknight greek style chicken salad (because the flavors are so beautifully aligned!) that’s fresh, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, let’s fire up the grill and get tossing this amazing Grilled Chicken Salad recipe!

Why This Grilled Chicken Salad is Your Summer Dinner Solution

If “stuffed to the gills with go-to toppings” isn’t enough, here’s why this Grilled Chicken Salad recipe is a winner:

• Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: The combination of feta, olives, cucumber, tomato, and a zesty dressing is pure sunshine. This is the heart of our Grilled Chicken Salad recipe.
• Lean & Flavorful Grilled Chicken: Grilling adds a wonderful smoky depth to the tender chicken.
• Packed with Freshness & Goodness: Loaded with crisp vegetables, healthy fats from avocado and olives, and lean protein.
• Perfect Light Summer Dinner: Satisfying enough for a meal but won’t weigh you down on a warm evening. This is the best summer dinner salad recipe chicken avocado lovers will appreciate.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or chickpeas.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make for a beautiful presentation.
• Quick to Assemble (Once Chicken is Grilled): Makes for a relatively fast and incredibly rewarding meal.

Gather Your Mediterranean Bounty: Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s get our fresh and vibrant components ready for this delightful Grilled Chicken Salad recipe.

For the Grilled Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon.
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

For the Salad Assembly (Serves 2-4 as a main):

• Mixed Greens (Romaine, Spring Mix, etc.): 6-8 cups, washed and dried.
• Cucumbers: 1 large, peeled (optional), seeded (optional), and diced or sliced.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved or quartered.
• Feta Cheese: ½ – ¾ cup, crumbled.
• Kalamata Olives (or other good quality olives): ½ cup, pitted and halved.
• Ripe Avocado: 1 large, diced or sliced.
• Red Onion (Optional): ¼ cup, very thinly sliced (soak in cold water for 10 mins to mellow).

For the Simple Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ⅓ cup.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (from about 1 large lemon).
• Red Wine Vinegar (Optional): 1 tablespoon (for extra tang).
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon.
• Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon.
• Garlic: 1 small clove, minced or pressed (optional).
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Crafting Your Mediterranean Delight: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s assemble this beautiful Grilled Chicken Salad recipe!

Step 1: Prepare and Grill the Chicken

1. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature if time allows, or longer in the fridge.
2. Preheat Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
3. Grill Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and with beautiful grill marks.
4. Rest & Slice/Dice: Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Then, slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This resting step is key for a juicy Grilled Chicken Salad recipe.

Step 2: Prepare Salad Components & Make Vinaigrette

1. Wash & Chop Veggies: Wash and dry your mixed greens. Dice or slice the cucumbers and red onion (if using). Halve or quarter the cherry/grape tomatoes. Pit and halve the olives. Crumble the feta cheese. Dice or slice the avocado just before assembling to prevent browning (or toss with a little lemon juice).
2. Make Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, optional 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, optional minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar very well until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. This dressing really makes the easy mediterranean grilled chicken salad shine.

Step 3: Assemble Your Grilled Chicken Salad!

1. Combine Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced/sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, halved olives, and thinly sliced red onion (if using).
2. Add Chicken & Feta: Add the sliced or diced grilled chicken and most of the crumbled feta cheese (reserving some for top garnish) to the bowl.
3. Add Avocado: Gently add the diced or sliced avocado.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle about half to two-thirds of the prepared lemon-herb vinaigrette over the salad components.
5. Toss Gently: Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are lightly coated with dressing. Be careful not to over-toss, especially once the avocado is in.
6. Serve & Garnish: Divide the Grilled Chicken Salad recipe among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with the reserved crumbled feta cheese and an extra grind of black pepper if desired.
7. Enjoy Immediately: Serve this best summer dinner salad recipe chicken avocado creation right away for the best taste and texture.

Wise Tips for the Most Flavorful Grilled Chicken Salad

Make your Grilled Chicken Salad recipe truly exceptional with these hints:

• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Grilled chicken breast can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and then let it rest.
• Resting is Crucial: Letting the grilled chicken rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in much more tender and flavorful meat for your Grilled Chicken Salad recipe.
• Fresh Lemon Juice for Dressing: It makes a world of difference in brightness compared to bottled juice.
• Quality Olives & Feta: Good quality Kalamata olives (or your favorite variety) and creamy feta cheese will significantly elevate the flavors.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To keep your greens crisp and prevent the salad from becoming soggy, dress it right before you plan to eat.
• Avocado Last Minute: Add avocado just before tossing and serving to minimize browning. A little lemon juice can help.
• Soak Red Onion: If using raw red onion, soaking the thin slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes can mellow its sharp bite, making it more pleasant in the Grilled Chicken Salad recipe.

Delicious Variations & Additions to Explore

This Grilled Chicken Salad recipe is a fantastic base for customization:

• Add Grains: For a heartier salad, toss in 1-2 cups of cooked and cooled quinoa, farro, or orzo.
• Include Chickpeas: A can of rinsed and drained chickpeas adds extra protein and fiber.
• Different Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers (any color), artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Herb Power: Toss in fresh chopped parsley, mint, or dill along with the mixed greens.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or the dressing.
• Creamy Dressing Option: While vinaigrette is classic Mediterranean, a light, herby yogurt-based dressing could also be delicious.
• Different Protein: Grilled shrimp or even grilled halloumi cheese (for a vegetarian version) would be wonderful substitutes for the chicken.

Storing & Enjoying Leftovers (Best Assembled Fresh)

This Grilled Chicken Salad recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but components can be prepped.

• Storage: If you anticipate leftovers, store the cooked grilled chicken, washed greens, chopped vegetables (except avocado), and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Dressing: Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Assembly: Assemble individual salads just before serving for the best texture and freshness. Add avocado fresh each time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

Your common questions about this fresh and flavorful salad:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Grilled Chicken Salad recipe?
   Yes, grilled boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious and are often juicier. Adjust grilling time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
2. What kind of mixed greens are best?
   A good spring mix, romaine lettuce (chopped), baby spinach, or even arugula for a peppery bite all work wonderfully. A combination is often nice for varied texture and flavor in your Grilled Chicken Salad recipe.
3. How do I prevent my avocado from browning too quickly?
   Cut the avocado just before you plan to assemble and serve the salad. Tossing it gently with a little of the lemon juice from the dressing can also help slow down the browning process.
4. Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
   You can prep all the components ahead: grill and slice the chicken, chop the vegetables (except avocado), make the dressing. Store everything separately. Then, just before your guests arrive or it’s time to eat, toss everything together. This is great for a quick weeknight greek style chicken salad feel for entertaining.
5. Is this Grilled Chicken Salad recipe healthy?
   Yes, it’s packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil and avocado, making it a very nutritious and balanced meal. It’s a great example of a healthy grilled chicken salad with feta and olives.

This Grilled Chicken Salad recipe is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. It’s an easy mediterranean grilled chicken salad that’s satisfying enough for a main course dinner yet light enough for a lovely summer lunch. This salad, stuffed to the gills with some of our go-to toppings, is proof that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting.

I am so excited for you to try this recipe and experience how a few simple, quality ingredients can create such a flavorful meal. If you make this Grilled Chicken Salad recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below! Did you add any other favorite Mediterranean toppings? Happy grilling and tossing!