Mediterranean Chicken and Chickpea Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that brings together a medley of vibrant flavors and textures.
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy meal.
The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, creamy avocado, tangy feta cheese, and tender chicken, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing, creates a harmonious blend of tastes that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a dish to impress at a potluck, this salad has got you covered.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, so you can whip it up in no time and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean right at home.
What You Need:
- Romaine lettuce
- Tomato
- Cucumber
- Avocado
- Red onion
- Canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Cooked chicken breast or tenders
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/2 lemon juice
- 1-2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon or Stoneground mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Vegetables
Start by chopping your vegetables. Here’s a simple guide:
- Romaine Lettuce: Rinse thoroughly, pat dry, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Tomato: Wash and cut into wedges or dice into smaller pieces.
- Cucumber: Peel if desired, then slice or dice.
- Avocado: Halve, remove the pit, scoop out the flesh, and slice or dice.
- Red Onion: Peel and thinly slice.
Feel free to adjust the quantities of each vegetable based on your preferences. Add all the chopped vegetables to a large salad bowl.
2. Prepare the Chickpeas and Feta
- Chickpeas: Open the can of chickpeas, rinse them under cold water, and drain well. Add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it over the salad.
3. Cook the Chicken
You can cook the chicken in either an oven or a skillet. Here’s a method for each:
- Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Marinate the chicken (if desired) by combining some oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, fresh minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes.
- Place the chicken breasts or tenders on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Skillet Method:
- Marinate the chicken (if desired) using the same ingredients as above.
- Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts or tenders for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or dicing it. Add the chicken to the salad.
4. Make the Dressing
To make the dressing, you will need a small jar with a lid. Here’s how:
- Combine Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup avocado oil, the juice of half a lemon, 1-2 teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon or Stoneground mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the jar.
- Shake Well: Close the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Assemble the Salad
- Pour some of the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are well coated.
- Store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator for future use.
6. Enjoy!
Your Mediterranean Chicken and Chickpea Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it fresh and savor the combination of flavors and textures.
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, offering a delicious blend of fresh vegetables, protein-packed chicken and chickpeas, and a tangy homemade dressing. Enjoy!