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Mediterranean grilled chicken salad loaded with fresh veggies and finished off with a simple lemon Dijon dressing! Meal prep this healthy salad ahead of a busy week, or throw together for a quick, wholesome dinner. This easy and delicious meal comes together in just 20 minutes.

lemon dijon dressing being poured over mediterranean grilled chicken salad.

What You’ll Need to Make Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

Chicken Breasts – Take either two large chicken breasts and slice then into four thin cutlets, or buy four pre-sliced chicken cutlets from the store. A thinner piece of chicken cooks up faster, and locks in more flavor than whole chicken breasts.

Dried Oregano – This dried herb is commonly found in mediterranean recipes, which is exactly why we use it on both the chicken and in the dressing. If you don’t have any dried oregano in your pantry, I highly recommend you get some. It adds tons of delicious flavor to this salad recipe!

Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice tastes incredible in this lemon Dijon dressing. However, if you don’t have lemon juice, you can replace it with an equal amount of red wine vinegar.

Feta Cheese – Feta is perfectly salty and creamy in this grilled chicken salad. Add as much to your salad as your heart (or tastebuds) desire. Or, if you don’t like feta, you can use crumbled goat cheese instead.

Fresh Mint – Just a little bit of fresh mint takes this easy salad recipe over the top! Mint is another ingredient commonly found in Mediterranean recipes, and brings out the fresh flavors in this dish. Never tried mint in a salad before? Just trust me, it’s so so so good! But if you simply don’t like mint, try fresh chopped parsley instead.

close-up image of mediterranean grilled chicken salad in a bowl.

How to Grill Chicken

  • Start by seasoning your chicken very well with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or around 400° Fahrenheit.
  • Once preheated, place the chicken on the grill and leave to cook, without touching it, for about 4-6 minutes.
  • Then, flip each chicken breast, and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes on the other side.
  • Remove chicken from the grill and let rest on a cutting board while you prepare the rest of your grilled chicken salad.
mediterranean grilled chicken salad in a bowl with lemon dijon dressing on the side.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: Either leave out the feta, or use your favorite non-dairy feta.I highly recommend this VioLife Vegan Feta – it’s delicious!

Make it Vegan: For a vegan summer salad recipe, take the dairy-free option above, then replace the grilled chicken with either grilled tofu or grilled cauliflower steaks.

overhead image of mediterranean grilled chicken salad in a bowl with fresh mint on the side.
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Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

Mediterranean grilled chicken salad loaded with fresh veggies and finished off with a simple lemon Dijon dressing! Meal prep this healthy salad ahead of a busy week, or throw together for a quick, wholesome dinner. This easy and delicious meal comes together in just 20 minutes.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 1-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut or pounded thin
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the lemon Dijon dressing:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice, or red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the salad:

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season with the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and onion powder.
  • Grill 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through, then let rest on a cutting board while you prepare the rest of the salad.
    grilled chicken on a plate
  • Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
    all salad ingredients in a bowl
  • Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl and toss. Then, slice your chicken and add to the salad. Finish off the salad with a drizzle of dressing, then serve immediately.
    lemon dijon dressing whisked together in a measuring cup

Notes

  • If not eating right away, prepare the salad without the dressing, then add the dressing right before serving.
  • Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal

    Fresh and delicious watermelon salad! This easy summer side dish is finished off with a tangy 3-ingredient lime dressing. Make this watermelon salad with feta, mint, and lime for your next summer party or barbecue!

    close-up image of watermelon salad with mint, feta, and lime

    What You’ll Need to Make Watermelon Salad

    Watermelon – Fresh watermelon is in peak season from May through September, so get your watermelon fix in while you can! Need help with how to cut a watermelon? Follow my step-by-step how to cut a watermelon post here. Or, save some time and buy pre-cut watermelon from the store.

    Cucumber – Half an English cucumber adds to the freshness of this delicious summer salad. Dice or slice your cucumber however you’d like for this recipe.

    Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion adds a nice, tangy bite to this sweet and savory salad. However, if you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can totally leave this out.

    Feta – Add as much or as little crumbled feta to your salad as you’d like! Feta is deliciously creamy and salty, and tastes incredible in this watermelon salad recipe.

    Mint – Fresh mint takes this salad over the top! Not sure mint in a salad will taste good? Just give it a try, trust me.

    Lime Juice – The acidity in fresh lime juice brings out the freshness of all ingredients in this dish. A 3-ingredient lime dressing may sound simple, but it does a lot for this salad!

    lime dressing being poured over watermelon salad.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Feel free to prep this salad ahead of time! Make the salad, then whisk together the dressing, and store them separately. When ready to serve, pour lime dressing over the salad and enjoy.
    • Have fun with this watermelon salad, and customize it however you’d like. Add or remove any ingredients you prefer. I’ll sometimes add a small handful of chopped pistachios to this salad, and it’s delicious!

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Dairy-Free/Vegan: Either leave out the feta, or use your favorite vegan feta (I recommend VioLife Vegan Feta) for a vegan watermelon salad!

    Watermelon Salad with Feta, Mint, and Lime

    3 from 2 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: SidesDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    3

    servings
    Prep time

    10

    minutes
    Cooking time

    0

    minutes
    Total time

    10

    minutes

    Fresh and delicious watermelon salad! This easy summer side dish is finished off with a tangy 3-ingredient lime dressing. Make this watermelon salad with feta, mint, and lime for your next summer party or barbecue!

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups watermelon, cubed

    • 1/2 English cucumber, diced

    • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

    • 1 cup feta, crumbled

    • 1/2 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped

    • For the lime dressing:
    • 1/4 cup olive oil

    • 2 tablespoons lime juice

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    Directions

    • Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl and gently toss to combine.
    • In a separate small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
    • Dress this watermelon salad right before serving.

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    Fresh and seasonal spring mix salad with blueberries, almonds, feta cheese, and a simple honey vinaigrette! The perfect warm-weather lunch or side dish, loaded with healthy ingredients.

    Overhead image of spring mix salad in a bowl with water on the side.

    What You’ll Need To Make Spring Mix Salad

    Spring Mix Lettuce – Spring mix is a simple assortment of dark leafy greens. Each brand makes theirs a little differently, but every batch of spring mix is flavorful and super healthy. If you can’t find any spring mix, you can certainly turn this into a spinach salad instead, with 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach.

    Sliced Almonds – Every salad needs a little crunch! I love buttery, lightly toasted sliced almonds in my spring mix salad. However, if you don’t have any almonds, any chopped nut will go great in this recipe. Or for a nut-free version, add in some roasted sunflower seeds instead!

    Feta Cheese – Some salty feta cheese takes this spring mix salad over the top! Add as much to your salad as your heart desires. Or, if you don’t have any feta, a nice soft goat cheese also tastes great here. And for a vegan or dairy-free option, simply leave the cheese out of the salad – still super tasty!

    Honey – A touch of honey balances out the otherwise extremely savory vinaigrette. With plenty of balsamic vinegar, the vinaigrette needs a little sweetness to help mellow it out. And for a vegan version, replace the honey with two tablespoons of maple syrup.

    Honey vinaigrette being poured over spring mix salad.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Dress the salad right before serving! Avoid storing this salad already dressed, since the vinaigrette will cause the spring mix to wilt. So if prepping ahead of time, keep the honey vinaigrette on the side until ready to eat.
    • Have fun with this healthy salad recipe! This simple lunch or side dish is a great way to use up any fresh veggies or berries you might have on-hand. Strawberries taste delicious in place of the blueberries, and a yellow onion can be subbed in for the red onion.

    Add Protein

    For a heartier meal, add any of the following:

    Spring Mix Salad with Blueberries, Almonds, Feta Cheese, and Honey Vinaigrette

    5 from 1 vote
    Recipe by Samantha Course: Sides, LunchDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    6

    side servings
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    0

    minutes
    Total time

    5

    minutes

    Fresh and seasonal spring mix salad with blueberries, almonds, feta, and a simple honey vinaigrette! The perfect warm-weather lunch or side dish, loaded with healthy ingredients.

    Ingredients

    • 1 5-ounce package spring mix lettuce

    • 1 cup fresh blueberries

    • 1/2 English cucumber, chopped

    • 1/2 red onion, chopped

    • 1/2 cup sliced almonds

    • 1/4 cup feta cheese or goat cheese

    • For the honey vinaigrette:
    • 1/4 cup olive oil

    • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

    • 2 tablespoons honey

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

    Directions

    • Assemble all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
    • Make the dressing by adding all ingredients to a jar with a lid, secure the lid then shake until combined. Drizzle over spring mix salad and enjoy!

    Recipe Video

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    I found myself in a salad rut recently. While I LOVE my buffalo chicken salad, it was getting kinda old. So I switched things up this week and added this La Scala chopped salad into the rotation, along with another reader fave, the Jennifer Aniston salad. I simply assemble the salad, portion it into four containers, then store the dressing separately – and it’s been awesome having a quick and easy lunch ready to go every day of the week!

    If it’s good enough for a Kardashian, then it’s good enough for me! That’s my motto when it comes to this salad. While I haven’t personally been able to try the original La Scala chopped salad, I scoured the internet for the exact ingredients and recipe to bring you this incredibly delicious replica. It’s fresh, crunchy, full of flavor, and super easy to make. I just know you’re going to love it!

    overhead image of la scala chopped salad in a bowl with parmesan cheese on the side.

    What You’ll Need to Make the La Scala Chopped Salad

    Lettuce – Any crunchy lettuce will work! La Scala uses iceberg lettuce, but I prefer romaine (it has more flavor, in my opinion). Whatever lettuce you use, chop it into small pieces – just like La Scala does!

    Chickpeas – Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then add to your salad. Chickpeas offer a nice bit of protein to this easy lunch recipe. However, if you don’t have chickpeas, feel free to use any white bean you’d like. Navy beans or cannelloni beans would also taste great!

    Italian Salami – Chopped Italian salami adds so much flavor to La Scala’s chopped salad. I recommend using deli salami, and slicing it into strips. Or, you can buy a whole salami, then fully slice it yourself! For a vegetarian/meatless salad, simply leave the salami out.

    Mozzarella Cheese – Fresh shredded mozzarella is best, but pre-shredded works as well!

    dressing being poured over la scala chopped salad.

    Tips and Tricks

    • To meal prep this salad, simply make the salad and divide it between four containers. Then, whisk together the dressing and store separately. When ready to eat, pour dressing over your salad and enjoy!
    • This La Scala chopped salad is gluten-free! However, if you want a little extra crunch, a small handful of croutons makes a delicious addition to this salad.
    • This “Kardashian” salad recipe is also great for a crowd! Toss together in a big bowl, then bring it to your next potluck or dinner party. Everyone will go crazy for this hearty and oh-so satisfying side dish!
    la scala chopped salad in a bowl with a fork.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Vegan: For a completely plant-based La Scala salad, simply leave out the salami and swap the cheeses for your favorite vegan cheeses. I love Myoko’s Cashew Milk Mozzarella and Violife’s Vegan Parmesan Cheese!

    Make it Dairy-Free: Similar to the vegan options, either swap out the cheeses for your favorite non-dairy cheeses, or leave them out of this salad recipe altogether.

    close-up overhead image of la scala chopped salad
    3.62 from 89 votes

    La Scala Chopped Salad aka “The Kardashian Salad”

    The La Scala chopped salad is widely known as a Kardashian favorite – and it’ll quickly become your favorite, too! Super quick and easy to make, with only a handful of simple ingredients. Make this famous Los Angeles salad at home in just 5 minutes.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 head lettuce, finely chopped (iceberg, romaine, etc.)
    • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1/2 pound Italian salami, chopped
    • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

    For the dressing:

    • 1/2 cup olive oil
    • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

    Instructions

    • Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl and toss.
    • Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
    • Drizzle dressing over salad right before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal

    Surprisingly simple, but totally delicious buffalo chicken salad! Complete with a homemade ranch dressing, this healthy recipe is FULL of delicious flavor. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for meal prep!

    overhead image of buffalo chicken salad in a bowl with homemade ranch dressing and buffalo sauce on the side.

    What You’ll Need to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad

    Chicken – Start by either slicing and pounding chicken breasts until thin, or make your life super easy and buy pre-cut chicken cutlets! Or, if you’re not up for the extra step and can’t find chicken cutlets, then simply cook whole chicken breasts for your salad. If taking this option, you’ll likely need to cook the chicken for 4-5 additional minutes each side. To check if your chicken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a breast. Once the thermometer reads 165° Fahrenheit, then you’re chicken is cooked through and ready for this salad recipe!

    Buffalo Sauce – I make my own buffalo sauce for this buffalo chicken salad because it’s truly so easy. However, you can totally buy pre-made buffalo sauce instead, if you’d like. For the homemade buffalo sauce, all you’ll need is hot sauce, melted butter, and honey – that’s it!

    Ranch Dressing – Again, I made my own ranch dressing for this salad. But you can buy bottled ranch instead, if that’s more your thing. If I’m short on time or looking for a short cut, I use this Primal Kitchen Vegan Ranch Dressing – it’s lighter and healthier than most other ranch dressings on the market!

    Blue Cheese – Salty, tangy blue cheese crumbles are the cherry-on-top of this buffalo chicken salad! Though you can totally add any kind of cheese you’d like to this meal. Or, for a non-dairy salad, leave the blue cheese out altogether.

    homemade ranch dressing being poured over a buffalo chicken salad.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Meal prep this buffalo chicken salad ahead of a busy week! It’s the perfect grab-and-go lunch recipe. To do this, prepare the salads, then store the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing separately. When ready to eat, dress the salads and enjoy!
    • Feel free to switch out/swap in any ingredients you’d like! This salad is super simple, and easy to customize – so have fun with it and don’t be afraid to make it your own.
    • I always recommend dressing this salad right before serving! Leftover salad (without dressing) will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days.
    buffalo chicken salad in a bowl with a fork.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free salad, leave out the blue cheese and make the homemade ranch dressing with mayonnaise, instead of Greek yogurt.

    Make it Vegan/Vegetarian: Make some simple plant-based swaps to turn this into a vegan buffalo salad recipe! Replace the chicken with chickpeas – toss them in the chicken seasoning, then roast them in the oven at 350° Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Also, leave out the blue cheese and use a vegan mayo or plain vegan Greek yogurt to make the ranch dressing.

    Buffalo Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing

    5 from 1 vote
    Recipe by Samantha Course: MainDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    4

    servings
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    10

    minutes
    Total time

    15

    minutes

    Surprisingly simple, but totally delicious buffalo chicken salad! Complete with a homemade ranch dressing, this healthy recipe is FULL of delicious flavor. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for meal prep!

    Ingredients

    • For the chicken:
    • 1-2 pounds chicken breasts, cut or pounded thin (or chicken cutlets)

    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

    • 1 teaspoon onion powder

    • salt and black pepper, to taste

    • 1 tablespoon oil

    • For the buffalo sauce:
    • 1/2 cup Frank’s hot sauce

    • 1/4 cup melted butter

    • 3 tablespoons honey

    • For the ranch dressing:
    • 1 cup mayo or plain Greek yogurt

    • 2-3 tablespoons milk

    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

    • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

    • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

    • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    • For the salad:
    • 1 bunch romaine, chopped

    • 2 celery stalks, chopped

    • 1 avocado, sliced

    • 1/2 English cucumber, chopped

    • 1/2 cup shredded carrots

    • 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped

    • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

    Directions

    • Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken breasts 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
    • Make the buffalo sauce by whisking together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a small bowl.
    • Make the ranch dressing my whisking together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
    • Assemble the salad with romaine, celery, avocado, cucumber, carrots, blue cheese, and the cooked chicken, then top with a drizzle of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.

    Recipe Video

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    Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

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