Bring a burst of sunshine to your table with this Mediterranean Chicken Salad – a delightfully fresh and colorful main course that’s just as perfect for a weekday lunch as it is for a show-stopping brunch with friends. Juicy chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, creamy feta, and an herby dressing come together in every bite for that irresistible balance of flavor and crunch. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like a mini vacation and will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mediterranean Chicken Salad is in its simplicity – fresh, vibrant ingredients that play off each other in the most delicious ways. Each component has a purpose, from creating bold pops of color to layering flavors that sing of the Mediterranean coast.
- Cooked chicken breast (3 cups, shredded or diced): For ultimate tenderness, choose rotisserie or poached chicken; grilled adds delicious smokiness.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These juicy little gems burst with sweetness and color in every bite.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Crisp and refreshing, cucumber keeps the salad light and hydrating.
- Red bell pepper (1/2 cup, diced): Adds sweet crunch and a vibrant pop of red.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): For a mild sharpness that brings everything into balance.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted and halved): Their briny, savory flavor is pure Mediterranean magic.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Creamy, salty, and utterly addictive – feta ties all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a bright, herbal finish that awakens the whole dish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): Use the good stuff – you’ll really taste it in the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Gives that perfect tang to make all the flavors pop.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): This classic Mediterranean herb adds earthy depth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to pull everything together (taste and adjust as you go).
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle bite in the background.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1/2 lemon): The finishing touch for brightness and zing.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prep the Salad Ingredients
Start by gathering all your components: shred or dice the cooked chicken, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Halve and pit the olives, crumble the feta, and chop your parsley. Laying out everything before you begin mixing makes assembly smooth and speedy.
Step 2: Combine Everything in a Bowl
In a large salad bowl, add the chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley. Gently toss with clean hands or a large spoon so the colorful ingredients are evenly distributed, but the feta remains pleasantly chunky. The bowl should look inviting and vibrant at this stage.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Mediterranean Chicken Salad Dressing
In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like a bit more tang or salt.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss gently but thoroughly so all those delicious veggies and chicken are coated in the herby, zesty dressing. If you have time, let the salad rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors really meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Adjust and Enjoy
Give your Mediterranean Chicken Salad a quick taste and add a little extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze more lemon if needed. Now you’re ready to serve this gorgeous creation – it’s equally delicious chilled or at room temperature!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and a final crumble of feta never go amiss. For a bit of Mediterranean pizazz, add a few more olives on top or a twist of black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of fruity olive oil will make it shine even more.
Side Dishes
This salad is truly satisfying on its own, but you can make it a feast with some warm pita bread, a bowl of lemony hummus, or a handful of crispy pita chips. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon completes the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends by serving Mediterranean Chicken Salad in lettuce cups for the ultimate hand-held bite, or pile it high on toasted sourdough as an open-faced sandwich. For easy entertaining, spoon it into small cups or jars for colorful, make-ahead party appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck – this salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors actually improve as they sit together. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again and add a fresh squeeze of lemon if it needs reviving.
Freezing
Mediterranean Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, as the veggies tend to lose their crunch and the feta can change texture after thawing. If you want to meal prep, freeze only the chicken and add the remaining fresh ingredients when you’re ready to assemble.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, simply set it out a few minutes before serving to take the chill off, and give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Mediterranean Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and brings extra flavor. Just shred or dice and remove the skin before adding it to your salad.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
You can easily swap the chicken for chickpeas or canned white beans for a protein boost while keeping things meat-free. It’s just as satisfying and still packed with Mediterranean flavor.
What other vegetables work well in Mediterranean Chicken Salad?
Feel free to add or substitute with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or baby spinach. This salad is very adaptable, so use whatever fresh, crunchy veggies you love.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Since it remains tasty even after a night in the fridge, Mediterranean Chicken Salad is ideal for meal prepping lunches for a couple of days. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve, if possible, to preserve the crunch.
Can I make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, simply leave out the feta cheese or use a vegan alternative. The salad will still be bright, flavorful, and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a little Mediterranean magic to your routine, this Mediterranean Chicken Salad is guaranteed to impress. It’s fresh, filling, and endlessly versatile – delicious proof that healthy meals can be full of joy. Give it a try and let each bite transport you to sun-kissed shores!
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Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Packed with juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and olives, all tossed in a zesty dressing, this salad is a delicious taste of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Main Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For added crunch, toss in a handful of chopped romaine lettuce or baby spinach before serving.
- This salad also works well with grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
