Mediterranean Chicken & Walnut Salad Bowl
A hearty and refreshing salad bowl with juicy herbed chicken, crisp veggies, tangy feta, briny olives, and crunchy toasted walnuts — all drizzled with a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s balanced, nutritious, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: ~30 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the salad bowl:
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup walnuts, toasted lightly
Optional: ½ cup cooked quinoa or farro
For the dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate & cook chicken: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate 15–30 minutes. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until golden and cooked through (6–7 min per side). Slice into strips.
Prepare dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble bowls: Divide greens into 4 bowls. Top with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, feta, and toasted walnuts. Add sliced chicken on top.
Finish: Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.
Notes & Tips
Walnut boost: For extra flavor, toast walnuts in a dry skillet 2–3 min until fragrant.
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for chickpeas or grilled halloumi.
Meal prep: Store components separately; assemble just before serving to keep greens fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use roasted chicken instead of grilled?
A: Yes, leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Q: What’s the best nut substitute if I don’t have walnuts?
A: Almonds or pistachios work well too, but walnuts add a unique earthy crunch.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 4g