This meal blends sweet, savory, tangy, and fresh flavors—the richness of balsamic glaze, the natural sweetness of pears, and the earthy crunch of walnuts all come together to create a dish worthy of a restaurant-quality dinner.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Honey-Balsamic Mediterranean Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Optional: pinch of chili flakes

For the Mediterranean Pear & Walnut Salad

  • 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine, etc.)
  • 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup toasted walnuts
  • ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp white balsamic or red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
    • olive oil
    • balsamic vinegar
    • Dijon mustard
    • honey
    • minced garlic
    • oregano
    • paprika
    • salt and pepper
    • lemon juice
  2. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip bag.
  3. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring even coating.
  4. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Cook the Honey-Balsamic Chicken

Option A: Pan-Seared (for a caramelized glaze, like in the image)

  1. Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove chicken from the marinade and place in the hot pan.
  3. Sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
  4. Reduce heat, pour remaining marinade into the pan, and let simmer until thick and glossy.
  5. Cover and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  6. Allow chicken to rest, then slice beautifully.

Option B: Oven-Baked

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place marinated chicken in a baking dish.
  3. Bake 25–28 minutes, brushing with extra marinade halfway through.
  4. Broil the last 2 minutes for char and shine.

3. Make the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, add greens of your choice.
  2. Top with:
    • sliced pears
    • toasted walnuts
    • red onion
    • cheese (blue cheese for bold flavor, feta for classic Mediterranean taste)

4. Prepare the Lemon-Herb Dressing

  1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.

5. Assemble the Plate

  1. Place a generous pile of fresh salad on one side.
  2. Add the beautifully sliced honey-balsamic chicken next to it.
  3. Arrange sliced pears neatly for presentation.
  4. Spoon extra glaze over the chicken for shine and flavor.
  5. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a few extra walnuts.

🌟 Mediterranean Tips & Variations

  • Replace blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a more traditional Mediterranean flavor.
  • Add pomegranate seeds for freshness and color.
  • Use fresh thyme or rosemary in the chicken marinade.
  • Pears can be swapped with figs or apples depending on season.
  • For a lighter version, use grilled chicken breast without glaze.

🍽️ Serve With

  • Warm couscous
  • Olive bread
  • Lemon orzo pasta
  • A cold glass of white wine