This refreshing and protein-packed salad combines juicy grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors, making it a healthy and satisfying meal for any time of day.
**Ingredients:**
**For the Chicken Marinade:**
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– ½ tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
**For the Salad:**
– 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, sliced
– ½ red onion, thinly sliced
– ¼ cup Kalamata olives
– ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
**For the Tzatziki Sauce:**
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
**Instructions:**
**1. Marinate the Chicken:**
– In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
– Add the chicken, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for more flavor).
**2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:**
– Combine all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
**3. Grill the Chicken:**
– Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
– Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
– Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
**4. Assemble the Salad:**
– In a large bowl or individual plates, arrange mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta (if using).
**5. Top and Serve:**
– Add sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
– Drizzle with tzatziki sauce or serve it on the side.
**Notes & Tips:**
– **Meal Prep:** Marinate the chicken and make the tzatziki sauce a day ahead to save time.
– **Customizable:** Add avocado, roasted red peppers, or grilled zucchini for extra variety.
– **Cooking Option:** If a grill is unavailable, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
– **Dairy-Free:** Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the tzatziki sauce.
– **Serving Suggestion:** Pair with pita bread or quinoa for a more filling meal.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy Grilled Chicken Salad with Tzatziki Sauce—a perfect Mediterranean-inspired dish!