Description
This Lemon Chicken Salad for Lunch is a fresh, healthy Mediterranean-inspired recipe made with juicy pan-seared chicken, crisp greens, creamy avocado, feta cheese, and a bright homemade lemon dressing. Perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or warm-weather meals, this salad is full of vibrant flavor and satisfying protein.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 500g / 1 lb)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds or walnuts
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, grated
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, feta, and toasted nuts.
- Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of the salad.
- Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing. Store the dressing separately if making ahead to keep the greens crisp. You can substitute goat cheese for feta or add cooked quinoa for a more filling meal. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg