Description
Smashed Cucumber and Feta Salad with Grilled Chicken is a fresh and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring juicy, herb-seasoned grilled chicken paired with crisp smashed cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and fragrant fresh herbs, all tossed in a bright, tangy lemon vinaigrette. This vibrant salad makes a perfect healthy lunch or light dinner that’s quick to prepare and full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season evenly with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This infuses the chicken with robust Mediterranean flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
- Smash the Cucumbers: Place cucumbers on a cutting board and gently smash each with the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin until they crack and break into bite-sized chunks. This technique creates a rustic texture and allows the dressing to seep into the cucumbers more effectively.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the smashed cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh dill, and parsley, building layers of fresh and vibrant flavors.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified, creating a zesty and bright dressing for the salad.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking down the delicate vegetables and cheese too much.
- Serve: Arrange sliced grilled chicken on top of the dressed salad and serve immediately for the freshest taste experience. Enjoy as a light meal or a refreshing summertime main course.
Notes
- Kalamata olives add a delicious, briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the feta and cucumbers.
- Chilling the salad for 10 minutes before serving will enhance the freshness and meld the flavors even more.
- This salad is excellent served alongside warm pita bread for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
