Balsamic Mediterranean Salad with Creamy Dressing
This vibrant Mediterranean salad is packed with fresh greens, protein, and bold flavors. Paired with a creamy balsamic dressing, it’s a deliciously healthy option that’s even better than restaurant salads!
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 8 cups romaine lettuce (or spinach/spring mix)
- 2 tomatoes (sliced or diced)
- 1 cucumber (chopped)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced or diced)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: ½ cup chickpeas, pita chips for crunch
For the Creamy Balsamic Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or mayo)
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup (or honey)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and maple syrup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl (or individual bowls), layer the lettuce.
- Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and parsley. Add chickpeas and pita chips if desired.
- Drizzle the creamy balsamic dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, protein-packed Mediterranean salad!
Images and recipe by: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/mediterranean-salad/
