If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors while still feeling fresh and nourishing, the Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is here to steal your heart and your lunchbox. Imagine juicy shredded chicken mingling with creamy ripe avocado, crisp cucumber, and tangy Kalamata olives, all tossed with a zesty homemade dressing that ties it together perfectly. This salad is a celebration of color, texture, and flavors that make every bite utterly irresistible and surprisingly simple to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the delicious balance of taste, texture, and color that defines this salad. From creamy avocados to briny olives and fresh herbs, you’ll find each element adds something special to this dish.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The protein-packed base that brings heartiness and richness to the salad.
- Diced cucumber: Adds crunch and a refreshing coolness that lightens every bite.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy pops of red that brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Chopped romaine: Crisp greens that provide a fresh foundation and pleasant texture contrast.
- Ripe avocados, diced: Creamy and buttery, perfectly balancing the salad’s acidity and saltiness.
- Sliced red onion: Offers a subtle pungency and slight sharpness to awaken the palate.
- Pitted Kalamata olives: Salty and briny, these olives add classic Greek character.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, it melts beautifully into the medley of flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the salad with a fresh herbal note.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: A rich, fruity base for the dressing that brings everything together.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds vibrant acidity to balance richness and freshness.
- Red wine vinegar: Deepens the dressing’s tang and adds complexity.
- Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that enhances the earthy notes.
- Garlic powder: Subtle warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to make all the ingredients shine.
How to Make Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together the cooked shredded chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine, diced ripe avocado, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley. Mix these vibrant ingredients gently to keep the avocado intact while distributing everything evenly for uniform flavor in every forkful.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and fresh cracked black pepper until you achieve a smooth, emulsified dressing. This zesty blend elevates the salad from simple to spectacular, adding that signature Greek zest.
Step 3: Dress and Toss Gently
Pour the dressing over the prepared salad and toss carefully, making sure to coat every ingredient without mashing the creamy avocado. The goal is to marry the flavors while keeping the salad light, fresh, and visually appealing. Give it a final taste test and tweak the seasoning or acidity with a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
How to Serve Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your salad with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley leaves or a few Kalamata olive halves for a decorative touch that also boosts the flavor. A light dusting of dried oregano or a few crumbled feta shards can make your salad pop on the plate and elevate the eating experience.
Side Dishes
This salad works beautifully as a standalone dish, but you can pair it with warm pita bread or crispy garlic toasts to scoop up every drop of the dressing. For a fuller meal, pair it alongside lightly grilled vegetables or a simple lemony quinoa salad, adding layers of texture and nutrition to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or jazz up your weeknight meal, try serving the salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or on crisp cucumber boats. You can also pile it onto toasted flatbread for an open-faced sandwich or stuff into whole-grain wraps for an easy handheld meal bursting with Mediterranean flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to avoid tossing in the avocado until you’re ready to serve the next day because avocado can brown quickly, altering the visual appeal and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and avocado, this salad does not freeze well. The texture of avocado and veggies can become mushy after freezing and thawing, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a day or two of preparation.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you want warm chicken, try adding gently warmed shredded chicken to the salad just before serving, but keep everything else chilled to maintain freshness and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is super convenient, but grilled or poached chicken breast works equally well. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
What if I don’t have Kalamata olives?
If Kalamata olives aren’t available, you can substitute with other briny olives such as Castelvetrano or even green olives stuffed with pimento. The key is to keep that salty, tangy burst to complement the creamy avocado and feta.
Is this Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for anyone avoiding gluten while still craving a delicious and wholesome meal packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Can I add quinoa or other grains to make this salad more filling?
Definitely. Adding cooked quinoa or even couscous can transform this salad into a heartier main course. Just mix in the grains at the same time you combine the other salad ingredients for a terrific boost of texture and nutrition.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
To keep avocado looking fresh and green, add it last just before serving. Tossing the salad too early can cause the avocado to brown due to oxidation, so keeping it separate until the last moment ensures your salad stays visually stunning and tastes fresh.
Final Thoughts
The Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration on your plate every time you make it. It’s fresh, easy to prepare, and packed with Mediterranean goodness that satisfies your cravings and nourishes your body. I encourage you to give this salad a try, whether for a quick weekday lunch or a light dinner that feels special. Once you taste it, it’s bound to become a favorite you reach for again and again.
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Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing Greek Avocado Chicken Salad that combines tender shredded chicken with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocados, tangy Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty lemon and oregano dressing, this vibrant salad is perfect for a light, nutritious meal that’s quick to prepare and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, diced avocado, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Be careful while tossing to avoid mashing the avocados.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Add cooked quinoa to make the salad more filling and hearty.
- If preparing ahead, store the salad and dressing separately, adding diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
