Oregano Chicken Salad Recipe
This chicken salad makes for a quick and flavorful lunch recipe! It features an easy homemade chicken breast recipe that comes together in minutes. Crispy lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, croutons, and chicken are tossed together in a simple vinaigrette!
Servings 2 servings (if served as lunch)
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1/2 pound each * see notes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the salad:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 medium Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup plain croutons
For the vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Make the chicken: Pat both sides of your chicken dry with a paper towel. Season with oregano, salt and pepper, and set aside to prep the skillet.
- Drizzle your olive oil into the bottom of a large skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat until warmed. Gently lower the chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side. Flip, then cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes on the other side or until the chicken is cooked through. The chicken should register an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices should run clear. Set aside the chicken to rest and cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Make the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, and croutons. Slice your cooled chicken into 1 inch strips and add to the bowl as well. Set aside to make the vinaigrette.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Pour onto your salad and toss to coat the vegetables, croutons, and chicken in the dressing. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Serve right away.
Notes
* You can skip the chicken breasts and use a store-bought, cooked rotisserie chicken to save time!
Storage instructions: After you dress your salad, it does need to be served right away so the croutons don't soften, and so the vegetables don't start to wilt. If you want to make this salad ahead or take it to-go, keep your vegetables and chicken stored in one container, the croutons in a separate container or plastic bag, and the vinaigrette in a third container. When you're ready to enjoy your salad, combine everything together, and serve!