Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken and Chickpea Salad
Zesty grilled chicken breast tossed with fiber-rich chickpeas, crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. A satisfying, low-saturated-fat lunch that keeps energy steady.
Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Total
20 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Becky + Lila
Becky created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Total
20 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Whisk · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Make a double portion of the grilled chicken ahead of time during weekend meal prep to assemble this salad in under 5 minutes on busy weekdays.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Warm a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high…
- 01
Warm a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high…
Warm a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C) for 2 minutes.
Allow: 2 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add the seasoned chicken breast strip to…
Add the seasoned chicken breast strip to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C).
Look for: browned and cooked through with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C)
Tap card to mark done - 03
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting…
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 3 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
Allow: 3 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 04
Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Look for: well combined
Tap card to mark done - 05
Add the rinsed chickpeas
Add the rinsed chickpeas, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Add the diced warm chicken to the…
Add the diced warm chicken to the salad bowl and gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated.
Look for: evenly coated
Tap card to mark done - 07
Transfer the finished salad to a serving…
Transfer the finished salad to a serving plate and enjoy immediately, or pack into an airtight container to refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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