Greek Salad with Chicken

Ingredients

For the dressing:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 lemon, juiced
2 cloves garlic, smashed with the side of your chef's knife
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 pinches salt
10 to 15 grinds black pepper

For the salad:
2 to 3 hearts romaine lettuce
1 English cucumber, peeled, cut in 1/2 lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch chunks
3 vine-ripened tomatoes (about 3/4-pound), cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
hot pepperoncini

Directions
To marinate the chicken: use greek marinade from previous post - Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.

To make the dressing: Combine all the ingredients in a resealable container and shake vigorously. Refrigerate until ready to serve, and then bring to room temperature before tossing salad.

Assemble the salad: cut off any dark tips and the bitter white bottoms from the romaine leaves. Cut the lettuce into 1-inch strips and place in a bowl that is large enough to hold all the salad ingredients comfortably. Scatter cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta over the top. You can prepare the salad up to a few hours in advance. Cover it with a moist paper towel and refrigerate until 30 minutes before serving.

To cook the chicken: Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook, turning once, until well browned, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Give the dressing a good shake and pour it into a nice little serving bowl, using the lid to strain out the garlic.

Toss salad just before serving and fan chicken out on top.

Greek Marinade

* 3/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leave or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Preparation1. In a small bowl, mix together all the marinade ingredients.

2. Pour over lamb, beef, poultry, or fish, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before cooking.