Description
This High Protein Watermelon Feta Salad with Chicken is the ultimate refreshing summer power lunch. By utilizing the “Hydration Hack” and the “Salt and Drain” method, we’ve created a massive 40g protein meal that keeps you full and hydrated for hours. It is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory for healthy weight loss!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Chicken breast, grilled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups Seedless watermelon, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup English cucumber, diced
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup Fresh mint leaves, torn
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, torn
- 0.25 cup White balsamic vinegar or glaze
- 1 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until internal temperature is 165F. Let rest for 10 minutes, then dice into 1-inch cubes. Chill thoroughly.
- The Salt and Drain Hack: Place watermelon cubes in a colander. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt and let drain for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small jar, combine balsamic vinegar, lime juice, and Dijon mustard. Shake or whisk until emulsified.
- Combine the Base: In a large chilled bowl, toss the drained watermelon cubes with the diced cucumber.
- Layer the Protein: Add the cold diced chicken and crumbled feta over the fruit base.
- The Final Garnish: Tear the fresh mint and basil over the salad.
- Dress & Toss: Drizzle the balsamic lime dressing over the bowl. Gently toss with a spatula just before serving to keep the ingredients vibrant.
Notes
- Storage: Best served immediately. To meal prep, keep the watermelon, chicken, and dressing in separate containers for up to 3 days.
- Watermelon Choice: Always go for seedless to ensure the “perfect bite” experience.
- Pro-Tip: Chill your serving bowl for 15 minutes before assembly to keep the fruit icy cold.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Chopped / Layered
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
