Description
Succulent marinated chicken salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your plate. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and zesty dressing combine for a refreshing meal you’ll savor with delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Submerge chicken breasts in the marinade within a sealed container or ziplock bag. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours to infuse flavors.
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer marinated chicken onto a baking sheet, discarding excess liquid.
- Roast chicken for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring thorough cooking.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin, elegant strips.
- Prepare salad base by combining crisp salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped avocado, and shredded carrots in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk dressing ingredients – olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper – until smoothly incorporated.
- Arrange sliced chicken atop the vegetable medley, sprinkle optional cheese, and drizzle with homemade dressing.
- Serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness and flavor profile.
Notes
- Customize marinade flavors by swapping citrus juices or adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra depth.
- Ensure chicken is evenly coated in marinade by massaging bag or turning dish occasionally during marinating time.
- For gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain rich umami flavor.
- Reduce cooking time by pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness, promoting even and faster cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg