Description
This Loaded Greek Salad with Chicken & Avocado takes the classic Greek salad to a new level with the addition of tender cooked chicken and creamy avocado, all tossed in a tangy homemade Greek dressing. It's a simple, nutritious, and satisfying option perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner that's both gluten free and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups green leaf lettuce, chopped (can be replaced with iceberg or romaine)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (or 2 chopped chicken tenders per salad)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup cucumbers, quartered
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ of a small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 avocados, diced
- 4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
For the Greek Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil (extra light tasting olive oil recommended)
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
- Prepare the Salad: Place the chopped green leaf lettuce into a large bowl. Layer the cooked and chopped chicken evenly on top of the lettuce, followed by the sliced grape tomatoes, quartered cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, sliced kalamata olives, diced avocado, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the prepared Greek dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Serve: Divide the salad into serving portions and enjoy immediately as a fresh, healthy meal.
- Optional Chicken Preparation: For best results, season chicken tenders with garlic salt, pepper, dried oregano, paprika, and a squeeze of lemon. Cook them on the stovetop for about 2 minutes per side until fully cooked and tender before chopping and adding to the salad.
Notes
- To meal prep, assemble salads in individual plastic containers and store in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate and add just before eating to preserve freshness.
- Chicken tenders are preferred for their quick cooking time and tenderness.
- Feel free to swap lettuce varieties between green leaf, iceberg, or romaine based on your preference.
- Use extra light tasting olive oil for a milder dressing flavor.
