• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Whole Smiths
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Recipes
    • Cooking Method
      • 5 Ingredients or Less
      • 30 Minutes or Less
      • Easy-to-Make
      • Instant Pot
      • Make Ahead, Keep on Hand
      • One Dish, Pan, Pot or Sheet Pan
      • Weekend Living
    • Dietary Guidelines
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • Meal Type
      • Breakfast + Brunch
      • Dinner
      • Lunch
      • Soups, Stews, + Chilis Too
      • Vegetables, Sides + Salads
      • Smoothies + Beverages
      • Dessert
      • Snacks + Appetizers
  • COOKBOOKS
    • Good Food Cookbook
    • Real Food Every Day
  • Podcast
  • About
    • Meet Michelle
    • Food Philosophy
    • Michelle This Month
  • Resources
    • Discounts
    • Shop
    • Cooking Staples
    • Better Beauty
  • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
The Whole Smiths

The Whole Smiths

Whole Eating + Happy Living

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Recipes
    • Cooking Method
      • 5 Ingredients or Less
      • 30 Minutes or Less
      • Easy-to-Make
      • Instant Pot
      • Make Ahead, Keep on Hand
      • One Dish, Pan, Pot or Sheet Pan
      • Weekend Living
    • Dietary Guidelines
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • Meal Type
      • Breakfast + Brunch
      • Dinner
      • Lunch
      • Soups, Stews, + Chilis Too
      • Vegetables, Sides + Salads
      • Smoothies + Beverages
      • Dessert
      • Snacks + Appetizers
  • COOKBOOKS
    • Good Food Cookbook
    • Real Food Every Day
  • Podcast
  • About
    • Meet Michelle
    • Food Philosophy
    • Michelle This Month
  • Resources
    • Discounts
    • Shop
    • Cooking Staples
    • Better Beauty
  • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Contact

Whole30 Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Who doesn’t love a good chopped salad? Particularly in the throws of summer. My only problem with chopped salads is the lettuce. Actually, my problem with all salads is the lettuce. Who needs that? Let’s be honest, it’s just filler. No one orders a salad for the lettuce. It’s for all of the other goodies, right?

An easy-to-make Mediterranean Chopped Salad from the Whole Smiths. So delicious and great to make ahead! Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten-free.

For the record, I’m totally fine with spinach salads because spinach isn’t lettuce.

When I decided to make this recipe I decided to cut out the lettuce and stick with what we’re all really here for, the good stuff.

I also decided to make this salad Whole30 compliant. Not only am I starting a round of Whole30 August 1st, but the official Whole30 is coming up in September and I wanted to make sure I have lots of new recipes to share with you.

An easy-to-make Mediterranean Chopped Salad from the Whole Smiths. So delicious and great to make ahead! Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten-free.

Let’s chat about Whole30 for a bit shall we? This is my 4th (I think?) round and after a few months of remodeling and working on my secret project (I’ll share it with you soon, I promise!) I’m wanting a reset and a chance to get my eating back on point. The truth of the matter is, I probably don’t need the entire 30 days at this point in my eating/food life but I like having a chance to do the full program again. Each time I learn something new, come up with new recipe ideas and hacks and I’m happy to pass that along to you guys.

An easy-to-make Mediterranean Chopped Salad from the Whole Smiths. So delicious and great to make ahead! Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten-free.

Post multiple Whole30’s I feel like I’m at a point in my food freedom where I can’t un-learn what I know about nutrition and my relationship with food. I also know that I really do love eating clean, minimally processed foods that make me feel good. I know what I feel like when I eat a bunch of junk and I know that most of the time, not always, I’ll choose foods that make me feel good.

I know eating this way has finally stuck after years of going at it. It doesn’t mean that I’ll never have some fro-yo or dive into a bag of Doritos, it just means those kinds of things are the exception and not the regular. It’s something everyone can achieve once they make the decision to not give up on themselves.

An easy-to-make Mediterranean Chopped Salad from the Whole Smiths. So delicious and great to make ahead! Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten-free.

The key is that you have to decide to not look at indulging in “bad” food as a failure, because that’s going to train your brain to think this isn’t something you can do, something you are failing at. And who wants to continuously feel like a failure? Not me. You have to commit that no matter what, you’re going to keep going. Commit to making better decisions, different decisions. Eventually, those decisions will start to stick more and more and it gets easier. A Whole30 does’t magically fix everything. It’s the beginning of a journey and you’ll learn a lot along the way.

An easy-to-make Mediterranean Chopped Salad from the Whole Smiths. So delicious and great to make ahead! Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten-free.

But don’t forget, it’s a beginning. You aren’t necessary going to come out of it with picture perfect eating habits for the rest of your life. You need to abandon that thought because that’s what will set you up for failure when you have a giant slice of pizza. What you will gain is knowledge about food and yourself  that you can’t unlearn. It will be up to you what you do with that knowledge moving forward.

An easy-to-make Mediterranean Chopped Salad from the Whole Smiths. So delicious and great to make ahead! Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten-free.

Hopefully it sheds a little realism and light onto this all for you? In short, you’ve got this if you want it.

All right, back to this anti-lettuce chopped salad. It’s so fresh, clean and perfect for summer lunches. You can even sub in rotisseries chicken to make it even easier. I obsessed with olives so I doubled what you see in that recipe as an FYI. You either think that’s gross because you hate olives and you’re figuring what you can add instead (artichokes hearts) or you’re loving that because you’re an olive-chile yourself.

An easy-to-make Mediterranean Chopped Salad from the Whole Smiths. So delicious and great to make ahead! Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten-free.

I feel like I should write more about this killer recipe for you buuuut the truth of the matter is that I’ve been at my computer since 11am (It’s 6:35 now) and I’m kind over it. So hopefully this killer recipe is delicious enough that you’ll forgive me?

Enjoy!

An easy-to-make Mediterranean Chopped Salad from the Whole Smiths. So delicious and great to make ahead! Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten-free.

An easy-to-make Mediterranean Chopped Salad from the Whole Smiths. So delicious and great to make ahead! Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten-free.
print recipe
5 from 2 votes

Whole30 Mediterranean Chopped Salad

An easy-to-make Mediterranean Chopped Salad from the Whole Smiths. So delicious and great to make ahead! Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten-free.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time25 mins
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Paleo, Whole30
Servings: 4
Author: the Whole Smiths

Ingredients

For the dressing:

  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the salad:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 sprig of thyme
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons ghee or butter
  • 1 large tomato cut into large chunks (heirloom or Campari)
  • 1 medium cucumber sliced lengthwise, seeds scraped out and chopped
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1/4 red onion chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives halved
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add all of the dressing ingredients together and whisk together well. Set aside.
  • Sprinkle the salt and pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  • Heat a medium sized frying pan over medium heat and add the 2 teaspoons of olive oil and the ghee or butter to the pan.
  • Once the oil is hot, place the chicken and thyme into the oil and cook on each side 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165*.
  • When the chicken is cooked through, set aside to cool.
  • Once cooled, chop the chicken into bite-sized cubes.
  • Add the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, dill and chicken to a large bowl and combine.
  • Pour the dressing into the bowl and toss to coat.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 3 to 4 days.
did you make this recipe?Tag @thewholesmiths on Instagram
Whole30 Chopped Salad Pinterest Graphic
147shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
Previous Post: « Dairy-Free Blueberry Lemon Float
Next Post: My CoolSculpting Experience at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery »
Note: I only work with companies and products that I feel passionately about and that align with the Whole Smiths’ views and that this post contains sponsored content. While I am compensated for the work I do, my opinions and bad jokes are always 100% my own.

you might also like

  • Summer Steak Salad
  • Easy Paleo Meatloaf
  • BLT Cole Slaw from the Whole Smiths. Such an easy recipe and easy to make Whole30 compliant. Paleo-friendly and gluten-free.
    Paleo BLT Coleslaw ( Whole30, Low Carb)
  • crab salad with roasted avocados
Real Food Every Day Book

available now

my new cookbook

  • 100 simple recipes designed to keep things easy in the kitchen
  • Health and wholesome, family-friendly recipes labeled for your dietary needs
  • Chapters such as 30-Minute Meals, 5-Ingrediends or Less and Meal Prepping

take a peek

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Ellie says

    July 25, 2017 at 2:51 am

    Looks amazing!!! šŸ™‚

    PS: “throes” of summer, not “throws”

    Reply
  2. Debbie says

    July 28, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    I’m going to do my very first Whole30 in September. This looks so good and a must-make recipe for then! I love your site!

    Reply
  3. Isadora says

    December 30, 2017 at 3:30 pm

    This has become a go to recipe for me. I love how simple and tasty it is!!

    Reply
  4. Alyssa says

    April 10, 2018 at 1:08 am

    So good! The dressing is fantastic! I added parsley and some chopped compliant artichoke hearts. Beautiful and delicious, thank you!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

available now

my new cookbook

Real Food Every Day Booktake a peek

welcome!

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet, I’m Michelle and welcome to the Whole Smiths. These days I’m a mother to two smiley girls, a happy wife to one fantastic dude and we live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

don’t miss a recipe!

Keep your kitchen tasty with a new recipe delivered to your inbox each week as well as our latest cooking tips, event information and favorite food finds.

REAL FOOD FOR REAL PEOPLE.

don’t miss a recipe!

Keep your kitchen tasty with a new recipe delivered to your inbox each week as well as our latest cooking tips, event information and favorite food finds.

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Legit all I seem to be craving these days are cold Legit all I seem to be craving these days are cold salads. Like ice cold.  Like this Thousand Island Wedge Salad. 🄰  I love me a wedge salad but sometimes hate that it doesn’t feel like a complete meal... so I changed it up a bit and added some egg for protein. And bacon because... bacon!  What do you think? Are you in salad season yet or still on soup season?  Recipe at the link in my profile.  https://www.thewholesmiths.com/thousand-island-dressing-wedge-salad/
Time truly does fly. ā¤ļø It feels just yesterd Time truly does fly. ā¤ļø  It feels just yesterday I took this picture. People warn you that time flies, don’t wait till the end to realize they were right.  Enjoy the now. Let love in and share yours.  Valentine’s Day isn’t about romantic love in our home but it’s about finding love wherever you can. Any nook and cranny. Friendships, family, nature, community, wherever.  We choose love. Happy Valentine’s Day. ā¤ļø
These Cherry Bourbon Chocolate Truffles will make These Cherry Bourbon Chocolate Truffles will make you feel like the world’s finest chocolatier... or Lucy in the scene where’s there’s chocolate everywhere and she’s stuffing ā€˜em in her bra.  Either way, they’re delicious and actually supper easy to make.  Besides, we all know the only way to say ā€œI love youā€ and mean it is with some chocolate and a cheesy card. At least it’s not Palmer’s. ā˜ŗļø  Ok really though, these truffles are the shizzzz. In fact, just make them for yourself and share them with no one.  https://www.thewholesmiths.com/cherry-bourbon-chocolate-truffles-recipe/
I know it’s all about Brady and Gronk right now I know it’s all about Brady and Gronk right now (blah) but here’s a throwback to when @thepetitepanaderya and I got to be a part of the SB Halftime field team crew in 2016.  It has always been on my bucket list to be on the field for the Halftime show, so when SB was here in Santa Clara, I was going to find a way.  I saw you could sign up to be a part of the field team that puts together the stage so I signed up. It was two weeks of practicing and they paid us minimum wage, although I would have done it for free.  A few hundred people were part of it and we were each assigned to a ā€œcartā€. We were taught exactly what to do, how to assemble the various parts of the stage and QUICK. It all had to be put together in around 7 minutes.  We weren’t allowed to have any cell phones out during practices and signed confidentiality waivers. The second week we got to watch the performers rehearse (over and over again). JayZ and Blue Ivy were in the stands watching. Bruno Mars was perfection and nailed everything every time. I was blown away at how talented he was live. Chris Martin was so kind. BeyoncĆ© drove in front of us in her golf cart and waved. She also made us wait in the freezing cold while she tried different hair and fan / wind blowing situations.  Game day. There was a staging area a few miles away that we met at and we were bussed in with police escorts down the 101.  Once at the stadium we hung out with our carts waiting our turn. Everyone was so pumped. As SOON as the second quarter ended it was go time and the adrenaline was pumping. Seriously, that feeling was awesome.  Lucky for us, once we finished building our cart we had wait on the sidelines... right in front.  The energy was intense and I loved every minute of it.  Bigger picture, seeing how everyone worked together flawlessly to create the performance was striking. I’ve never experienced teamwork like this and never thought it would be such an impactful experience.  It was one of the BEST things I’ve ever done as silly as it sounds. Everyone who does it city after city says the same thing.  If you ever have the chance and find the SB in your town, do it. Trust me.
Cool Ranch CHICKPEAS anyone? While some (most) p Cool Ranch CHICKPEAS anyone?  While some (most) people are likely to be shoveling Cool Ranch Doritos down the batch tomorrow... we’ll be whipping up a batch of these Cool Ranch CHICKPEAS!  Yeah, I know. It’s kind of obnoxious because Cool Ranch Doritos are the sh^%. But these at least give you that same zesty flavor and way more than nutrients. I’m kinda obsessed!  Or just eat the Doritos. šŸ¤·šŸ¼ā€ā™€ļø  While we’re talking chips? What’s your fave? I think mine are the Cool Ranch Doritos.. what can I say...  Now I’m feeling like I sold you on the Doritos rather than the chickpeas! Whoops.  Anyways. Recipe for the CHICKPEAS in my bio.  https://www.thewholesmiths.com/cool-ranch-roasted-chickpeas/
Let’s do a giveaway, shall we? This week on @g Let’s do a giveaway, shall we?  This week on @getwellthypodcast we interviewed @ethankross about his new book, Chatter. In it, he explores the inner voice we all have inside our minds. What it is, what it’s helpful for (and what it’s not) and how to use it to our advantage.  I’m giving a copy of Chatter away to one of you. All you have to do to enter is one of the following. Extra entires for each you do.  Let us know how you entered in the comments.  1. Follow @getwellthypodcast 
2. Tag a friend in the comments and tell them how much you are loving Get Wellthy.
3. Subscribe, rate or reviews us wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to let us know in the comments so you can be entered!
4. Share this post and tag @getwellthypodcast  Good luck and open for US residents only.
Stating the obvious. I’d also like to propose Stating the obvious.  I’d also like to propose a few things moving forward.  Some things I’d like to add into our next relief package. Parents who have had children get double. Distance learning, triple.  1. Home repair reimbursements. Paint, chipped tiles, destroyed furniture all included.  2. A 4 day weekend alone to a tropical destination for each parent. Not to mention, that helps boost the struggling travel economy. Double win!  3. Covid makeovers to whoever would like it. The stress our inept politicians have put on us have clearly aged me about 15 years and I think they should have to handle that. Perhaps all of their ā€œconsultingā€ fees can be used to fund this. This would also double as a great reality show. Post pandemic transformation. I’m happy to host!  4. Restaurant vouchers because we have all done enough cooking. If you still can’t cook a chicken breast or bake some bread at this point, you failed 2020. You will have to prove you now know how to cook for this one. And again, double whammy as it helps restaurants.  Yep. I think that’s it’s for now. What would you add to the list? šŸ‘‡šŸ¼

© 2021 Ā· The Whole Smith Ā· Privacy Policy Ā· Website Design by Anchored Design