Simple Lemon-Herb Chicken Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad with tender chicken, mixed greens, and a zesty lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken thighs with sea salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Step 2: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly. Whisk lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and chopped dill in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Drizzle with lemon-dill dressing and toss gently.
  4. Step 4: Top salad with sliced chicken and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Lemon-Herb Chicken Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Simple Lemon-Herb Chicken Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Lemon-Herb Chicken Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Simple Lemon-Herb Chicken Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Simple Lemon-Herb Chicken Salad?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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