Country Market Salad

Country Market Salad

The Country Market Salad captures the fresh, crisp flavors of the season in every bite. Romaine lettuce offers a cool, crunchy base that supports tender slices of grilled chicken breast. Roasted red peppers and juicy grape tomatoes provide sweet, tangy accents, while ribbons of cucumber and roasted artichoke hearts add a gentle earthiness and vibrant color. Creamy feta cheese brings a salty, tangy note that blends smoothly with the greens. Roasted sunflower seeds offer a nutty crunch and satisfying contrast, while a handful of plump Kalamata olives gives the salad a briny depth. Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves finish the bowl with an aromatic lift and a burst of green.
This salad brings together grilled chicken, sweet peppers, briny olives, and creamy feta for satisfying layers of flavor and texture. The sunflower seeds provide crunch that contrasts with the tender vegetables and creamy cheese. The freshness of parsley and Romaine pairs perfectly with the richness of the other ingredients. Enjoy the Country Market Salad as a main course for lunch or dinner, or pair it with a slice of toasted sourdough for a heartier meal. For the perfect finishing touch, drizzle with a Lemon-Oregano Vinaigrette.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Salad
Calories: 510

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Romaine lettuce, washed and torn
  • 1 small chicken breast (about 4 oz) grilled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers sliced
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup roasted artichoke hearts quartered
  • 1/4 cup English cucumber peeled into ribbons
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 6–8 pitted Kalamata olives halved
  • 3 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves roughly chopped
  • Pinch sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon-Oregano Vinaigrette (or dressing of choice)

Equipment

  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Grill pan or outdoor grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Salad spinner (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest for 2 minutes, then slice thinly.
  2. Place Romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl. Add roasted red peppers, grape tomatoes, roasted artichoke hearts, cucumber ribbons, and Kalamata olives.
  3. Scatter crumbled feta cheese and roasted sunflower seeds over the salad, then top with grilled chicken slices.
  4. Add most of the chopped parsley, reserving a pinch for garnish.
  5. Drizzle with Lemon-Oregano Vinaigrette and toss gently with tongs until evenly coated.
  6. Garnish with remaining parsley, season to taste, and serve immediately.

Notes

Parsley is the featured herb in this salad. It has a fresh, grassy flavor with subtle peppery notes that brighten the overall dish. For the best aroma and taste, chop parsley just before adding it to the salad, and sprinkle extra leaves on top for a burst of green color. Parsley pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, tangy feta, sweet roasted peppers, and the nutty crunch of sunflower seeds.
Parsley is rich in vitamin K, which supports bone health and proper blood clotting. It also provides vitamin C and folate. According to research in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism (2020), parsley contains flavonoids and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress. The natural oils in parsley, such as myristicin and apiol, have also been studied for their antimicrobial and digestive benefits. By combining parsley with Romaine, lean grilled chicken, vegetables, olives, feta, and sunflower seeds, this salad delivers balanced texture, nutrition, and flavor. The Country Market Salad is a delicious and nourishing choice that brings together the best of fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients in every bite.

What’s New