If you love big, filling salads, you have to check this one out! This Mediterranean Salad makes for a vibrant summer meal. Yes, salads can be a main course rich in flavor and satiating protein. Think beyond soggy lettuce drenched in ranch. Let’s redefine the salad with this mediterranean salad with crispy chicken and feta topped with creamy tahini dressing.

I bake the cubes of feta, turning them into “croutons” and thus giving the salad an extra crispy texture.

Tahini makes for a creamy salad dressing with added health benefits. Tahini is one of the most nutrient-dense foods- rich in bone-building minerals and heart-healthy fat. Here are 5 reasons to include tahini in your diet. Tahini is bitter so combining it with a small amount of honey (or maple syrup) is recommended.

Chicken Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Baked Feta “Croutons” Ingredients:

• 1 8-oz block of feta cheese, drained, patted dry, and cut into 3/4-in. cubes
• 1 TBSP oil or olive oil/avocado oil spray

Tahini Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1 TBSP honey
• 1/4 cup water (+ more if dressing seems too thick)
• 2 TBSP lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp miso
• Salt and pepper

Salad Ingredients:

• 3 cups romaine
• 3 cups arugula
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup thinly sliced Persian cucumbers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a glass baking dish, combine all ingredients for the chicken and toss to coat. Let stand for 20 minutes.
3. Place cubes of feta on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush (or spray) with oil. Set aside.
4. Place chicken in the oven and bake at 400 degrees F x 25 minutes.
5. While chicken is cooking, make dressing by combining all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk well. You can also use a food processor or blender to combine. Set aside.
6. Increase oven heat to “broiler” setting. Continue to cook chicken (on broiler setting) for another 8-10 minutes until crispy. Place baked feta in the oven and bake on broiler setting for 8-10 minutes until browned.
7. Slice chicken into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
8. Add the ingredients for the salad to a large salad bowl. Toss with salad dressing and top with chicken and feta.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.