Mediterranean Chopped Salad (with Grilled Chicken)

This Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken will sweep you off to a Greek Isle with the flavors this salad packs! Loaded with veggies like crispy romaine, sweet cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, fresh parsley, tangy olives and feta cheese. Then topped with the creamiest Mediterranean dressing. I dare you not go back for seconds! If you love like salads like I do you simply must try my Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad and my Antipasto Pasta Salad.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is so easy to make and only requires some chopping and grilling the chicken!

The flavors are incredible: The combination of sweet veggies, fresh herbs, salty feta and olives is simply irresistible!

Get most of it ready ahead of time: Chopping the veggies ahead of time makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients You Will Need

Chicken thighs: I love using chicken thighs because they always come out juicy and tender from the extra fat that comes from the thighs. Also, because of the extra fat they never dry out like breast meat tends to if slightly overcooked.

Mediterranean starter sauce: You could make your own sauce or let Mesa de Vida do the work for you! Their sauces are the best and loaded with all the flavor you need to make this an authentic Mediterranean tasting dish!

Romaine lettuce: This lettuce has the best of both worlds having some crispy and tender green leaves all in one head making it perfect for chopping up for most any salad.

Red onion: Red onion adds a crunchy texture and bold flavor, elevating salads with its zesty kick.

Mixed olives: Mixed green and kalamata olives are both loaded with healthy fats and while green olives are less salty they both impart a bold, strong flavor to the dish.

Cherry tomatoes: These sweet and juicy little flavor bombs brings a burst of freshness to anything you use them in.

Cucumbers: You can use any kind of cucumber but I like Persian or pickling cucumbers for salads as they pack a lot of crunch and are my favorite for adding to salads.

Feta cheese: This Greek cheese made from sheep's milk, goat's milk or a mixture of both is soft an crumbly with a salty and tangy flavor making it the best addition to this salad.

Parsley: Parsley brings a burst of fresh, herby goodness to this salad that you don’t want to leave out!

Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go to for salads!

DRESSING:

Mediterranean starter sauce: The remainder of the bottle used above to marinate your chicken will be used for the dressing!

Avocado oil mayonnaise: This mayo is made from avocado oil, unlike many common mayos crafted with other oils and offers a unique creamy texture and a healthier fat profile.

Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is a must for a burst of acidity to the dressing.

Olive oil: Same as above! EVOO is best for a light tasting oil in your dressing.

Salt: Elevates the overall flavor of any dish. Always salt in moderation in accordance with your dietary preferences.

Instructions

Make the dressing: In a small bowl combine dressing ingredients, whisk well and set aside.

Prepare the chicken: In another bowl, marinate chicken thighs in half a bottle of the Mediterranean Sauce for up to two hours (in the refrigerator).

Cook the chicken: Heat grill and add 2 tablespoon olive oil (if using Blackstone Grill or brush grates with oil). Add chicken and cook 5 minutes each side or till temperature reads 165 degrees at the thickest part. Remove and set aside.

Prepare salad bowls: Meanwhile assemble your salad ingredients either in one large serving bowl or four individual bowls.

Add chicken to salad: Chop chicken pieces into cubes and place on salad.

Dress the salad: Pour dressing over and toss well.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Marinate the chicken longer: If you have the time to marinate the chicken overnight it will bring even more flavor to the dish.

Prep ahead: This is a great make ahead salad as you can chop most everything up and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

Not a fan of olives? Try dicing some dried or fresh apricots into the salad for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.

Instead of parsley: Try using fresh basil or mint.

Storage Tips

The salad ingredients will hold up well for a few days, undressed and kept in a glass container. The chicken, cooked, will last up to 5 days in a glass container.

FAQs About Recipe

How can I keep the salad crisp?

Store it in a glass container with a piece of paper towel and then cover it.

What is a Mediterranean salad made of?

Typically you will find cucumbers, feta cheese, roma tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes and red onion in a Mediterranean salad.

Is a Mediterranean salad healthy?

With an abundance of vegetables and herbs a Mediterranean salad is full of antioxidants which can help support a healthy immune system.