Delicious summer veggies come together in this mouthwatering salad. Topped with cajun chicken that adds a little bit of heat and creamy avocado ranch helps to cool it down. This is one incredible salad!

If there is one thing that I love in the summer time it is a good salad. With all of the fresh veggies that are popping up in my garden, what better way to use them then in a mouthwatering salad? With the help of some flavorful McCormick spices and fresh veggies, I was able to create one unforgettable salad!

It has been so hot around here lately that all I look forward to is a fresh and cool salad to eat. With some fresh veggies from my garden and some chicken added, it can make one delicious and healthy meal. One thing that I absolutely love is McCormick’s Cajun Seasoning. It is awesome! I use it in quite a few recipes because it is full of such great flavor and just enough of a kick.

All I had to do was rub some cajun seasoning on my chicken and throw it on the grill. In a matter of minutes it was ready to add such great flavor to the salad.

One thing that I can’t seem to get enough of are avocados. So I wanted to somehow incorporate avocados into the salad. And then it came to me. Why don’t I blend some avocados with some homemade ranch? Homemade dressings only take a few minutes to whip up in a food processor and add the perfect topping to your salad. I love using this pureeing technique in salad dressings with fresh summer veggies. You can make some of the best homemade salad dressings this way.

This avocado ranch turned out fantastic. I added some avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise and buttermilk. And with the help of McCormick’s high quality spices, the result was fantastic! It was the perfect finishing touch to the salad. It was tangy and creamy and added so much flavor.

Try This Next Za’atar Chicken

I know that I will be using this Avocado Ranch recipe on quite a few salads this summer. It is one of the best dressings that I have made!

If you are wondering what to do with all of those veggies in the garden, then start with making this delicious salad. The possibilities are endless in creating a delicious summer salad.

I especially loved the cajun chicken hidden throughout the salad. It made the salad a well balanced meal and added such flavor! Cajun spice is really one of my favorites and adds just enough of a kick and flavor to the salad.

From the fresh veggies, to the cajun chicken, to the creamy avocado dressing on top, I know you are going to love this salad just as much as we did!

 This post was sponsored by McCormick®. All opinions expressed are my own! For more delicious recipes creating using the pureeing technique, like Kale, Bacon & Pistachio Pasta, check out McCormick’s website

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Za’atar Chicken

Seasoned with a traditional Middle Eastern Za’atar spice blend and grilled, this Za’atar chicken is juicy and packed with unique flavors. In just 20 minutes you’ll have a flavorful and filling dinner that no one will forget!

If you have never heard of Za’atar seasoning, you are not alone! I just heard of it recently, and now I’m hooked! It’s a great savory blend of warm and earthy seasonings that will really wow your taste buds. You can also make the spice at home! If you like homemade spices, you’ll have to try this Homemade Fajita Seasoning, this better than store bought Italian Seasoning, and this Taco Seasoning too!

Grilled Za’atar Chicken

So at this point you may be wondering what is Za’atar seasoning? It is a blend of savory, nutty, and earthy spices that usually includes oregano, thyme, marjoram, and sumac. There are different blends of Za’atar seasoning based on where you are eating it. Kind of like curry the ingredients can change based on the area it’s made in. I have a link to the Za’atar seasoning blend in the recipe box below too if you want to make it, or you can pick it up from the store.

Grilled Za’atar Chicken is quickly marinated in the Za’atar seasoning and olive oil and grilled to perfection. I really think you are going to love this dish! It’s an easy 20 minute dinner that would go great with some pita bread and hummus. I also love with baba ganoush which goes great with this Za’atar seasoning. You can actually sprinkle some on top and the flavor is incredible. I think this will be a new family favorite!

Ingredients

These simple ingredients combine to make the most delicious and moist chicken. This Za’atar chicken is so unique, and amazingly flavorful! If you are looking for a great easy dinner, then this is the recipe for you! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: If you get a breast that is really thick, then you’ll want to flatten it out a bit so that it will all cook evenly on the grill.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is a must for this recipe. It’s a great quality oil that helps the flavors in the seasonings really pop.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is just what this recipe needs to bring out all of these gorgeous flavors!
• Za’atar Seasoning: I love making this blend at home! It is really herby and nutty, and perfect on meat. I add sesame seeds, coriander, and salt to my blend and I think it’s fantastic!
• Garlic: Minced garlic is one of my favorite things to eat on chicken. It’s so full of flavor and makes every bite the perfect one!

Za’atar Chicken Recipe

This recipe is so easy! I love how quickly it comes together and it really is so delicious. I ate it with some tomatoes and pita bread and it was perfection. Some of my kids added salt and pepper, but I thought it was perfect the way it was. You can make it however you like, and I know you are going to love it!

Popular Recipe Grilled Fish with Lemon and Capers

1. Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, za’atar seasoning, and garlic.
2. Put in Bag: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag then pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Refrigerate: Seal the bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
4. Grill: Grill chicken breasts on medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit.
5. Enjoy: Let the chicken rest before slicing and enjoying!

Tips for Grilling Chicken

Here are a few simple ways to make yourself the master of the grill! Once your friends and family get a bite of your grilled Za’atar chicken, they’ll be hooked. It’s hard not to be when they’re so juicy and flavorful.

• Use a Thermometer: This step is super important so that your chicken doesn’t dry out on the grill. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your chicken. You can take them off the grill when the temperature inside reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you cook them any more than that, they may dry out.
• Let Rest: The key to juicy grilled Za’atar chicken is letting it rest for a minute or two after you pull it off the grill. This allows all of the tasty juices to reabsorb, giving you chicken breast that will melt in your mouth! If you cut into them too soon after grilling, those juices may be released instead of absorbing back into the meat.
• Dripping: If you have seasoning and oil dripping off of your chicken, it will make the flames touch the meat and that’s where the black burned part comes from. If you don’t want crispy crunchy parts on your chicken, make sure that your seasoning is all over your chicken, but not dripping off.

Storing Leftovers

Who doesn’t wan’t grilled Za’atar chicken for leftovers? This recipe makes enough to serve eight people, so if you need to save your leftovers here is how.

In the Refrigerator: Store your cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

More Chicken Recipes

I love a simple chicken dinner! But sometimes chicken can taste boring when you are always making it the same way. Here are some recipes that will give you great ideas to keep your chicken tasting unique and juicy!

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