If you are craving something fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying, this Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with vibrant colors and a delightful mix of textures, this salad combines tender chicken, crunchy cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta, all brought together by a zesty, herb-packed dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, it’s a gorgeous dish that tastes as good as it looks and never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each adding its own magic to the Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe. From the juicy chicken to the fresh herbs in the dressing, every element contributes to a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and eye-catching color.
- Cooked chicken breast, 2 cups: Use shredded or diced for easy mixing and a hearty protein base.
- Roasted red peppers, 1 cup: Adds a sweet smokiness and vibrant red hue that brightens the salad.
- Black olives, ½ cup: Sliced for a briny pop that contrasts beautifully with creamy feta.
- Feta cheese, ½ cup: Crumbled feta brings tangy creaminess and authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Cucumbers, 1 cup: Diced crispness that keeps the salad refreshing and crunchy.
- Red onion, ¼ cup: Adds a mild sharpness and lovely purple color.
- Greek yogurt, ½ cup: The base for a creamy, tangy dressing that’s lighter than mayo alone.
- Light mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons: Balances creaminess and richness in the dressing.
- Fresh dill, 1 tablespoon: Chopped to infuse the dressing with herby brightness.
- Fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon: Adds a fresh, green note that keeps flavors lively.
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: A squeeze of citrus to brighten everything up.
- Garlic powder, ½ teaspoon: Subtle garlic depth without overpowering the salad.
- Onion powder, ½ teaspoon: Enhances savory flavors quietly in the dressing.
- Celery seed, ¼ teaspoon: Adds a hint of earthiness and complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all ingredients into perfect balance.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by mixing the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill and parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery seed in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as you like. This creamy dressing is packed with herbs and bright flavors that perfectly complement the hearts of this salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked chicken breast, shredding or dicing it if you haven’t already. Since the chicken is the main protein star, make sure it’s tender and juicy for the best results.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Stir in the chopped cucumbers, diced red onions, roasted red peppers, and sliced black olives. These colorful veggies provide crunch and bursts of flavor that make every bite interesting and vibrant.
Step 4: Combine It All
Pour the freshly made dressing over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything gently to coat every piece evenly, ensuring that each bite delivers a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory goodness.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Finish by sprinkling the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Serve this Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe chilled or at room temperature — either way, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish ready in minutes.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Want to take your salad to the next level? Fresh herbs like extra parsley or dill on top add vibrant aroma and a splash of green that looks gorgeous. A few lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to add a juicy squeeze for extra zing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm pita for scooping. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables, grilled zucchini, or a light chickpea and herb salad to keep the flavors in that Mediterranean family.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual mason jars for an on-the-go meal or layer it over mixed greens for extra freshness. For a dinner party, use small bowls or wide-rimmed plates and garnish with edible flowers or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, but the cucumbers may lose some crunch, so enjoy it sooner rather than later for the best texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen. The crisp vegetables and creamy dressing do not freeze well and may separate or become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer it warmed, remove the veggies and dressing, gently warm the chicken separately, then combine before serving to preserve the salad’s freshness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut, providing tender cooked chicken and great flavor while saving prep time.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, try crumbled goat cheese or a salty, nutty vegan cheese alternative to maintain that tangy contrast.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add nuts or seeds?
Definitely! Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds add a lovely crunch and extra nutrition, giving your salad even more texture and flavor complexity.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
This salad is super quick — about 10 minutes if you have cooked chicken ready, making it perfect for busy days when you want something tasty fast.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavors that celebrate the best of Mediterranean cuisine without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, I can’t recommend this salad enough — give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s one of my all-time favorite go-to meals.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Featuring tender cooked chicken breast combined with a colorful mix of roasted red peppers, black olives, cucumbers, and red onions, all tossed in a creamy, herb-infused Greek yogurt dressing and topped with tangy feta cheese. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is a healthy and satisfying option that celebrates vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill and parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery seed. Mix well and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or diced cooked chicken breast, ensuring it is ready to be combined with the vegetables and dressing.
- Add the Veggies: Stir in the chopped cucumbers, diced red onions, roasted red peppers, and sliced black olives into the chicken; mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Combine: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly so that the dressing coats all components evenly.
- Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience and time-saving.
- You can substitute light mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option.
- Adjust the herbs according to your preference; fresh oregano or mint can be nice additions.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure all ingredients including mayonnaise and seasonings are gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
