19 April 2008

Chopped Chicken Mediterranean Salad with Feta Vinaigrette

Chopped Chicken Mediterranean Salad




















Once summer comes I move over to salads and barbequed foods very quickly. Do not pass GO, do not collect $200!!!!! During the hot, lazy days of summer we are always on our way somewhere, so quick preparation and easy cleanup are the keys to successful summertime meals.
When I get home from work a quick salad using leftovers makes for a great meal also. This salad was invented out of the necessity to use leftover barbequed chicken. Today however I cooked up a couple of boneless chicken breasts and added them to this salad for the protein factor. Instead of red wine vinegar I added some apple balsamic vinegar that I have on hand. I imagine I will be using it often in various ways over the summer.


Of course the meal has Greek undertones as well. I served it with some warmed pita bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with z'ataar or dukka and had a delicious and quick meal. Then I was out to door............

In case you're wondering the salad untensils are called "bear claws".

News flash...it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! No snow for over a month, green grass and blossoms....now we have at least an inch of white stuff everywhere....this is Spring in Canada. I am talking to my parents in Ontario and it is 24C there...they will be heading to the beach!

**Chicken Chopped Mediterranean Salad with Feta Vinaigrette**

  • 2 precooked chicken breasts, diced
  • 4 cups romaine hearts (in this case mixed salad greens)
  • 1 English cucumber, sliced
  • 1 cup chopped kalamata olives
  • 1/2 medium red onion, diced
  • 1-2 T red wine vinegar (apple balsamic vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
(you may reduce the oil slightly if desired)

  • 1 T fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp fresh minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp salt(or to taste)
  • freshly ground black pepper(to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp sugar(optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced, for garnish


  • 1. In a bowl large enough for tossing salad, add diced chicken breast.

    2. Chop the romaine (and otheer salad greens) and add to salad bowl. Toss in the cucumber, olives and red onion and set aside.

    3. In a sealable jar or container with a lid, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, basil, oregano, salt, garlic, pepper and sugar (if using) and crumbled feta cheese. Seal lid and shake vigorously. (If you would like let sit for 1/2 hour to let the flavours marry)

    4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Divide among chilled salad plates and garnish with extra crumbled feta cheese and sliced tomatoes. Best Blogger Tips

    20 comments:

    1. That looks like a wonderful salad. We're still waiting for the warmer weather to arrive this year, so I'm still thinking stews and soups.

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    2. I LOVE this val...scrumptious & full of flavours!! Love the 1/2 an hour wait for the flavours to marry...how simple life is for dressings!! Lovely colourful post!

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    3. Hey sis, another wonderful salad. I guess you've started a diet:-)
      Why is your post showing Monday 21st????

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    4. Snow again? Its freaky like Chicago. After 2 sunny days in Toronto, its gloomy here.The warm weather makes me crave good salads like this.

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    5. I talked to my parents in QC also and they're the one getting the warm weather. I can't believe we are still freezing. I love anything with feta.

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    6. Sounds and looks great, Val!
      I'm into salads these days after a long winter. It's over 80 degrees here today! Can you believe it? The weather is wacky :)

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    7. I have to think positively Sylvie...BBQ's and salads...BQ's and salads:D
      If only life consisted of cooking and blogging I would be a happy camper Deeba:D
      I eat a LOT of salads in the summer Sis:D It says the 21st that is that Blogger thing again or this is a recipe of the future:D
      Sounds like you had some fun in TO Glamah:D
      It is their turn to gloat Helene with the winter they have had...I LOVE feta too:D
      It is Spring Maryann and it is wacky!!!!

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    8. I have been thinking about salads more lately as well. This salad sounds really tasty. I like the Mediterranean flavours in it.

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    9. Thank global warming for the wacky weather.

      I'm going to incorporate more salads like these...have to be svelte for those Greek beaches!

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    10. That salad looks great Val! I'm glad you mentioned the Bear Claws. I thought you guys had the biggest forks ever!

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    11. Aaah, that looks so fresh and tasty. I'm so looking forward to some spring greens.

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    12. What a refreshing salad Val. The apple balsamic sounds delicious. And keep up the weather reports. I've never seen such enthusiasm!..LOL

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    13. We're on the hunt for good healthy recipes. Can't go wrong with a chicken salad. We had a couple of salads yesterday, though, the weather was dreadful!

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    14. Lucky you!! I am facing a long winter of stews and puddings. I would love to be eating salads like this one instead.

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    15. I so love new and interesting salads. Alas...I can't eat this one - too much sodium for me but I wonder if I can alter it - take away the feta, take away the olives - hmmm...I think not. I also love the claws..I love kitchen gadgets. It's my obsession!!

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    16. This looks like a great salad. Just the kind of food we have here in the summer too.

      I have never tried putting the cheese in the dressing. Can't wait to try it!

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    17. Now why haven't I seen apple balsamic? Mmmm, that sounds so good! I'll have to look for it now. I love all those flavors in your salad too!

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    18. This salad looks very tasty Val just look at all those wonderful flavours!! Roll on warmer weather here in the UK - comfort food of stews and hot food is on the menu still!

      Rosie x

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    19. I have really been craving a good salad today, and this one looks spectacular!

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    20. Salads are such great dishes. I'm with you, looking for leftovers, some nuts, in your case some cheese, some greens, bla, and the dish is done! In summer time it's so hot here that the only thing I can eat is salads... well maybe some paella too :D

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    Welcome to my home. Thank you for choosing to stay a while and for sharing our lives through food. I appreciate all your support, comments, suggestions, and daily encouragement.

    Val

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