Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Herb Chicken with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm weather or when you’re craving something healthy and satisfying. The juicy, herb-marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, while the crisp cucumber and tomato salad provides a refreshing contrast with a tangy dressing. The combination of aromatic herbs, zesty citrus, and fresh veggies makes this meal both vibrant and delicious. It’s easy to prepare, naturally low-carb, and packed with nutrients, making it the ideal choice for a healthy lunch or dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste!
Ingredients
For the Herb Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad:
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the chicken marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to absorb the flavors.
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Cook the chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on the outside. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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Prepare the salad: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cucumber and tomato salad. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
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Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Assemble and serve: Slice the grilled herb chicken into strips and place it on top of the prepared cucumber and tomato salad. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (if marinated for 15 minutes)
Variations
- Grilled Veggies: Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to the salad for extra flavor and color.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese makes a great addition to the salad for a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Add Avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats, add sliced avocado to the salad.
- Other Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill for different flavor profiles in the chicken and salad.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the salad dressing for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The chicken can be sliced and stored with the salad or on its own.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. It’s best to eat the salad fresh, but you can store the dressing separately and toss the salad again before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken ahead of time for up to 1 hour. However, it’s best to prepare the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.
3. Can I use a different vinegar in the salad dressing?
Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even lemon juice for a different flavor.
4. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, this dish is low-carb and perfect for a keto diet. It’s full of fresh veggies, lean protein, and healthy fats from olive oil.
5. Can I use store-bought dressing for the salad?
While you can use store-bought dressing, making your own dressing with olive oil and vinegar is simple and healthier. Plus, it adds a fresher, tangier taste to the salad.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! You can add additional vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or even leafy greens such as spinach or arugula for added texture and nutrition.
7. How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
To keep the chicken juicy, be sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/75°C), and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
8. How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like grilled tofu or chickpeas, and leave out any animal-based products such as feta.
9. Can I make the herb chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also broil it for 5-7 minutes per side for a grilled effect.
10. Can I serve this salad with a different protein?
Yes! You can serve this salad with grilled shrimp, steak, or even a boiled egg for a different protein option.
Conclusion
Herb Chicken with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing makes it a light and healthy meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a meal to impress guests, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. It’s customizable, easy to prepare, and bursting with vibrant flavors—try it today!
Print
Herb Chicken with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour
- Total Time: 30 minutes (if marinated for 15 minutes)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Healthy
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Herb Chicken with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad is the perfect light yet satisfying meal. Grilled herb-marinated chicken paired with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad topped with a tangy dressing—this healthy, low-carb dish is bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this simple recipe is quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
For the Herb Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad:
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Salad: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cucumber and tomato salad. In a medium bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the grilled chicken into strips and place it on top of the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Grilled Veggies: Add grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for more color and flavor.
- Cheese Option: Crumbled feta cheese makes a great addition for a tangy, creamy contrast.
- Add Avocado: For added creaminess and healthy fats, toss in sliced avocado.
- Other Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill for varied flavor profiles in the chicken and salad.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce for extra heat.
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