Mediterranean Salad with Grilled Chicken (Paleo-Friendly)

A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring succulent grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs, all compliant with paleo dietary guidelines.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Cuisine: Mediterranean, Paleo

Equipment Needed

• Grill pan or outdoor grill
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small bowl for dressing
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts (about 600g), free-range
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

For the Salad

• 2 large heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

For the Dressing (Paleo-Compliant)

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   • In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
   • Add chicken breasts and coat evenly
   • Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours if time permits)
2. Grill the Chicken
   • Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (200°C/400°F)
   • Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 74°C/165°F
   • Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing
3. Prepare the Salad
   • Wash and chop all vegetables
   • In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and bell pepper
4. Make the Dressing
   • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper
5. Assemble
   • Slice the grilled chicken
   • Toss vegetables with half the dressing
   • Top with sliced chicken
   • Drizzle remaining dressing over the top

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 425
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg

Tips and Variations

• For extra crunch, add raw almonds or walnuts
• Substitute chicken with grilled fish for variation
• Add avocado for healthy fats
• For spice, include some fresh chili or red pepper flakes
• Store leftover dressing in an airtight container for up to 5 days

Suggested Pairings

• Paleo-friendly roasted sweet potato wedges
• Grilled lemon asparagus
• Cauliflower rice