Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this incredibly refreshing and satisfying Bursting with tender, marinated halal chicken, crisp vegetables, salty feta, and a creamy homemade tzatziki dressing, it's a perfect healthy meal for any day of the week. This recipe is not just delicious but also beautifully simple to prepare, making it a go-to for busy food lovers.
📜 Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
2 (6-ounce / 170g) boneless, skinless halal chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed green lettuce, torn
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
1/2 cup crumbled halal feta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Homemade Tzatziki:
1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt (ensure halal-certified if available, otherwise check ingredients for gelatin/rennet)
1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper
📝 Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a shallow dish, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the halal chicken breasts, turning to coat them completely. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 4 hours, to infuse maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: While the chicken marinates, prepare your refreshing tzatziki. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure it's squeezed very dry to prevent a watery dressing), minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any excess. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with attractive grill marks. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, create a vibrant base with the mixed green lettuce. Artfully arrange the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and crumbled halal feta cheese over the greens.
- Serve: Place the sliced grilled chicken over the assembled salad. Drizzle generously with your creamy homemade tzatziki dressing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately for a truly delightful meal!
💡 Chef's Tips
- Meal Prep Marvel: Save time during busy weekdays by preparing components ahead! You can marinate and grill the chicken, make the tzatziki, and chop all your vegetables in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then simply assemble when you're ready to eat for a quick, wholesome lunch or dinner.
- Add Grains for Heartiness: To transform this healthy salad into an even more substantial and satisfying meal, consider adding a scoop of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or couscous to the base of your salad. It provides extra texture and perfectly soaks up the delicious tzatziki dressing!
