Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Avocado Cucumber Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes   |   Cook Time: 15 minutes   |   Total Time: 35 minutes   |   Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled chicken avocado cucumber salad recipe with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and red onion is a fresh Mediterranean-style salad packed with juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, salty feta, and bold Kalamata olives. This salad matches the colorful bowl perfectly, with golden chicken pieces, bright vegetables, fresh herbs, and a simple lemon herb dressing that brings everything together. It is light enough for lunch but satisfying enough for dinner, especially when you want something healthy, quick, and full of flavor. Every bite gives you a mix of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory textures.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks or strips (1 lb / 450 g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3 g)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (3 g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)

For the Salad:

• 2 cups chopped cucumber (300 g)
• 1 large avocado, diced (200 g)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150 g)
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved (75 g)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (75 g)
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (40 g)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (10 g)

For the Lemon Herb Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (45 ml)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Grill the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, turning until golden and fully cooked to 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the vegetables: Chop the cucumber, dice the avocado, halve the tomatoes and olives, and slice the red onion.
4. Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Assemble the salad: Add cucumber, avocado, tomatoes, olives, red onion, feta, parsley, and grilled chicken to a large bowl.
6. Dress the salad: Drizzle the lemon herb dressing over the bowl and toss gently to avoid smashing the avocado.
7. Serve: Finish with extra parsley, black pepper, and a little more feta if desired.

Pro Tips

Let the grilled chicken rest before adding it to the salad so it stays juicy. Use ripe but firm avocado so it holds its shape. For a stronger Mediterranean flavor, add extra oregano, fresh mint, or a small squeeze of lemon right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a light dinner, healthy lunch, or meal prep bowl. It pairs well with warm pita bread, rice, roasted potatoes, grilled shrimp, or a simple soup. You can also serve it inside wraps for an easy Mediterranean chicken salad wrap.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store the chicken, vegetables, and dressing separately for the best texture. The salad ingredients can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead. Add avocado and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and bright.

Recipe Variations

Swap chicken breast for grilled chicken thighs, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas. You can add romaine lettuce for more volume, bell peppers for crunch, or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean grilled chicken avocado cucumber salad is colorful, fresh, and full of satisfying flavor. It is easy enough for busy weekdays but beautiful enough to serve to guests.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well when you need a quicker version.

Q2: Can I make this salad without feta?
Yes, you can leave it out or replace it with goat cheese or mozzarella.

Q3: How long does this salad last?
Without dressing and avocado, it can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Q4: Can this grilled chicken avocado cucumber salad recipe be meal prepped?
Yes, keep the dressing separate and add avocado right before eating.

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