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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken works best for easy grilling and slicing. If you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken—it’s already cooked and adds great flavor!

Chickpeas: These add protein and fiber. You can swap canned for cooked dried chickpeas if you have them. Just soak and cook them beforehand for the best results!

Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine gives a nice crunch. If you want a more tender option, try baby spinach or mixed greens instead.

Feta Cheese: Feta offers a creamy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan feta or simply skip it for a lighter salad.

Red Onion: The sharpness of red onions adds dimension. For a milder taste, go for green onions or shallots.

How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly?

Grilling chicken can be tricky, but it’s all about the right temperature and time. Here’s how to do it right:

• Start with medium-high heat for your grill or pan—this helps to sear the chicken quickly.
• Always oil the chicken to prevent sticking. Season well with salt and pepper.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer—165°F is safe!
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This keeps it juicy when you slice it.

Enjoy making this salad! With its fresh ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit.

Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Time Needed:

This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to cook the chicken. Overall, you’ll spend around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick and healthy meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Grill the Chicken:

Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle them with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper for seasoning. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and the juices run clear. Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into strips.

2. Prepare the Salad Base:

In a large salad bowl, gather your ingredients! Add the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, and rinsed chickpeas. Toss these ingredients together to mix them well. The colors will be vibrant and inviting!

3. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing will add a delicious zing to your salad! Adjust the seasoning to your taste if needed.

4. Combine and Serve:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Now, arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad, and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over everything. If you like, add lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze of zest when serving!

Enjoy your vibrant, nutritious Chicken & Chickpea Power Salad!

Can I Use Canned Chickpeas Instead of Dried?

Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are convenient and ready to use directly in the salad. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid.

How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the chickpeas or add other protein sources like quinoa or tofu. You can still enjoy all the delicious veggies and feta!

What If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each offers a slightly different flavor but will still work well in the dressing.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best consumed within 2-3 days. If you want to keep it fresh, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving!