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What Great Grandma Ate / Recipes / Egg Free / Whole30 Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Whole30 Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Last Updated on June 14, 2021 by Jean Choi 2 Comments

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Grab a copy of my cookbook, Korean Paleo: 80 Bold-Flavored, Gluten- and Grain-Free Recipes!

This delicious and easy Whole30 Mediterranean chicken salad recipe is the perfect and refreshing lunch full of healthy veggies. Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes, olives, and red onions – all tossed in the most flavorful dressing!

Whole30 Mediterranean Chicken Salad mixed with dressing on a plate

I’m a huge fan of salads for lunch, especially in the warmer months. My husband is always amazed at what a huge stomach I have for veggies coated in delicious zesty dressing, when I can’t eat huge portions of anything else. This Whole30 and paleo chicken salad recipe is my latest favorite dish, and it’s packed with so much flavor and amazing textures!

Paleo & Whole30 Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe

This Whole30 chicken salad recipe has a lot of ingredients, but it’s quite simple to make! I love that the dressing doubles up as a marinade, and it’s just so zesty, refreshing, and wonderful. The chicken can be grilled or pan fried, and it’s mixed with crunchy lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, and olives. It’s a hearty salad that can easily be eaten as a meal!

mediterranean grilled chicken salad recipe with all the ingredients on a plate before being mixed with dressing

Ingredients in Paleo Mediterranean Salad

For the dressing:

  • olive oil
  • lemon juice
  • parsley
  • apple cider vinegar
  • garlic
  • dried oregano
  • salt and pepper

For the salad:

  • boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • romaine lettuce
  • baby tomatoes
  • cucumbers
  • avocado
  • onion
  • kalamata olives
Pouring Mediterranean dressing over paleo mediterranean salad

How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe 

The instructions for this Whole30 chicken salad recipe is actually very simple and easy!

  1. Make the dressing by combining all of its ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.
  2. Coat the chicken in half of the dressing, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes – 2 hours.
  3. Preheat grill to medium high heat. Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. While the chicken is cooling, add the rest of the ingredients for the paleo Mediterranean salad in a large mixing bowl.
  6. Slice the chicken into strips, then add to the salad.
  7. Drizzle the rest of the dressing over the salad, toss to coat, then serve.
whole30 chicken salad recipe with vegetables on a plate

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts to make this Mediterranean grilled chicken salad recipe. However, chicken breasts tend to be thicker than thighs. I recommend a longer cooking time to ensure they aren’t undercooked. I have cooking time and instructions specified in the recipe box below.

What If I Don’t Have a Grill?

If you don’t have a grill, you can always just pan fry the chicken. It won’t have the same smoky flavor and you won’t get the delicious looking grill marks. However, the chicken will still be delicious and juicy! Just make sure to coat the pan in oil before cooking the chicken.

Can I Add Cheese To Whole30 Mediterranean Chicken Salad?

If you want, you can add either feta or goat cheese. However, cheese isn’t paleo or Whole30, so I would omit it if you are avoiding dairy. The salad is quite flavorful on its own!

paleo salad on a platter

If you enjoyed this Whole30 and paleo chicken salad recipe, you might also like…

  • Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates (Paleo, Gluten Free)
  • Cobb Salad (Whole30, Paleo, Keto)
  • Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Salad (Paleo, Keto)
  • Hearty Chicken Salad (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)
  • Whole30 Kale Chicken Caesar Salad + The Best Whole30 Caesar Dressing

Whole30 Mediterranean Chicken Salad

This delicious and easy Whole30 Mediterranean chicken salad recipe is the perfect and refreshing lunch full of healthy veggies: romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions – all tossed in the most flavorful dressing!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: mediterranean grilled chicken salad recipe, paleo chicken salad recipe, paleo mediterranean salad, whole30 chicken salad, whole30 chicken salad recipe, whole30 salad dressing, whole30 salad recipes
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 449kcal

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup parsley packed
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Salad

  • 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup baby tomatoes halved
  • 1½ cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 avocado
  • 1/2 red onion sliced
  • 1/3 cup kalamata olives sliced or roughly chopped

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients for the dressing in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Place chicken in a bowl and massage with 1/2 of the dressing, reserving the other half for the salad. Marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Heat a grill or a pan over medium high heat. Cook the chicken until cooked through (about 5 minutes per side for thighs, or 7 minutes per side for breasts).
  • Remove the chicken from heat and set aside until cool enough to handle.
  • While the chicken is cooling, add all the salad ingredients (except chicken) in a large salad bowl.
  • Slice the chicken into thin strips, then add to the salad.
  • Drizzle with the remaining half of the dressing, toss together, then serve.
Nutrition Facts
Whole30 Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Amount Per Serving (1 serving – makes 4)
Calories 449 Calories from Fat 270
% Daily Value*
Fat 30g46%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 18g
Cholesterol 162mg54%
Sodium 919mg40%
Potassium 920mg26%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 1441IU29%
Vitamin C 25mg30%
Calcium 64mg6%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.


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By Jean Choi | June 14, 2021

Comments

  1. Loren says

    June 26, 2021 at 7:11 am

    5 stars
    This dressing is so yummy, great salad!

    Reply
  2. Donny says

    June 28, 2021 at 7:19 am

    5 stars
    So gorgeous and hearty! This is a salad for salad-lovers and salad-haters!

    Reply

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Welcome!

headshot of Jean Choi - blogger of What Great Grandma Ate I’m Jean and I’m a Nutritional Therapist (NTP) living in Southern California with my husband and 2 dog babies. On WGGA, you’ll find simple and easy gluten-, dairy-, and processed sugar-free recipes that focus on quality nutrients, and of course, never sacrifice on taste. I believe that the food you love should love you back, making you feel amazing inside and out. I apologize in advance for my inappropriate jokes and misunderstood sarcasm! More About Jean

Recipe Key

  • 3030 Min or Less
  • AIPAIP
  • EFEgg Free
  • LCLow Carb
  • NFNut Free
  • PPaleo
  • VVegan
  • W3Whole 30

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