Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine and baby spinach work well)
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. For a dairy-free version, simply skip the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative. And if you can’t find Kalamata olives, black olives or even green olives work just fine, giving you a similar briny punch.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. I often do this step in the morning to save time later.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly. This step keeps the chicken juicy—something I learned the hard way early on!
- While the chicken is resting, combine the salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the veggies.
- Top the salad with sliced chicken and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired, and serve immediately.
A quick tip from my kitchen: always let the chicken rest before slicing. It makes all the difference in tenderness and juiciness, especially when feeding a hungry family. This simple ritual turns a good meal into a great one.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International