This Mediterranean salad with creamy balsamic dressing is full of greens, protein and flavor! Comes together super quickly and tastes so fresh and delicious. Plus it’s healthier than most restaurants, too!
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Everyday Mediterranean Salad
Whenever I’m craving a healthy and flavorful salad, this balsamic Mediterranean salad recipe is always top of mind. It’s loaded with all of my favorite ingredients and is easy to make. I also like to make a big chopped salad or Italian salad.
The inspiration for this salad comes from one I would order from a Greek restaurant in Ohio. It was called the ‘Mediterranean junk salad’ and was full of fresh greens, protein and flavor! I add pita chips to my version and a homemade creamy balsamic dressing for the perfect touch of sweetness.
Creamy Balsamic Dressing
The creamy balsamic dressing is what makes this salad so delicious! Creamy dressings like this or my homemade Caesar dressing are my favorite salad dressings.
This dressing pairs perfectly with the flavors in this Mediterranean salad. You can also use a traditional balsamic dressing as well.
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic salt
- Maple syrup
How to Make Balsamic Mediterranean Salad
Before assembling the balsamic Mediterranean salad, cook the chicken and whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until combined.
- Place lettuce into the bottom of one large bowl or 4 individual bowls.
- Add sliced grilled chicken on top.
- Top with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese and parsley.
- Add chickpeas and crushed pita chips.
- Drizzle balsamic dressing on top and toss until combined.
Substitutions and Variations
- I cooked my chicken in the skillet, but you could easily use baked or grilled chicken. Rotisserie chicken also works great.
- Feel free to mix in more toppings like black olives, banana peppers or avocado. You could even add a dollop of hummus, tzatziki or dill dip.
- You could use store bought balsamic if preferred. Greek salad dressing or a classic vinaigrette would also taste delicious.
- I like to use romaine lettuce, but you could swap with spring mix, kale, spinach, arugula or whatever you have on hand.
Love Mediterranean recipes? Try these other favorites including Mediterranean quinoa salad, Greek sheet pan chicken and Greek salad with chicken.
More Salad Recipes
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Mediterranean Salad Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 8 cups romaine lettuce (spinach or spring mix)
- 2 tomatoes (sliced or diced)
- 1 cucumber (chopped)
- ½ red onion (sliced or diced)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Creamy Balsamic Dressing
- ¼ cup mayo (or plain greek yogurt)
- 2 Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or mayo)
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup (or honey)
S&P, to taste
Optional: Chickpeas, pita chips
Instructions
- Place the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken into the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through the center.
- Once cooked, remove from the heat and slice into thin strips once slightly cooled.
- Combine the mayo, greek yogurt, oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic salt and maple syrup in a small bowl. Whisk until combined. Salt and pepper, to taste.
- Layer the lettuce in one large bowl, or 4 individual bowls. Top with chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta and parsley. Add chickpeas and pita chips if desired. Drizzle over the dressing over the top of the salad and toss until combined.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, Chicken, Chicken, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Salads
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
This creamy balsamic is EVERYTHING! I love it so much. Delicious salad!
This salad was amazing! The dressing is exactly what I was looking for. It doesn’t have any mustard, has a good sweetener, and is really creamy. I almost just ate the dressing by itself after I tried it it was so good haha! I will definitely be saving the recipe.
I’m so happy to hear that you loved the recipe, Ally! I have to agree with you – the dressing is my favorite! :)
this was really good ,as are all your recipes
Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
This was sooooo good. Tons of healthy ingredients and tasted great. The maple syrup was a nice touch!