Lemon Herb Chicken Salad (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Dressing and Marinade
01 -
¼ cup lemon juice (about one lemon's worth)
02 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
03 -
2 tablespoons water
04 -
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
05 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
06 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 -
2 teaspoons dried basil
08 -
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
09 -
1 teaspoon salt
10 -
Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
→ Main Protein
11 -
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts
→ Salad Base
12 -
4 cups crisp Romaine (Cos) lettuce, cleaned and dried
13 -
1 large cucumber, chopped into cubes
14 -
2 Roma tomatoes, diced into small pieces
15 -
1 avocado, sliced into strips
16 -
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
17 -
¼ to ⅓ cup black or Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
18 -
1 red onion, thinly sliced into rings
19 -
2 lemon wedges, for serving
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
In a large bowl, whisk together water, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, parsley, basil, garlic, oregano, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Reserve half of this mixture as salad dressing (refrigerate) and use the remaining half as chicken marinade.
02 -
Place chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature or up to two hours refrigerated for enhanced flavor development.
03 -
While chicken marinates, prepare all salad ingredients. Combine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, onion, and optional olives in a large salad bowl and set aside.
04 -
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and grill for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
05 -
Remove chicken from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices and tenderness.
06 -
Arrange sliced chicken atop the prepared salad mixture. Drizzle with reserved dressing, sprinkle with optional feta cheese, and serve with lemon wedges for additional brightness.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Feta cheese adds an extra tangy dimension to the salad.
02 -
Only use the reserved (unused) dressing for food safety purposes.
03 -
For optimal freshness, assemble the salad immediately before serving.