If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying salad to brighten your meals, this Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It masterfully combines tender chicken with crisp veggies, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tied together by a tangy, herb-infused yogurt dressing. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving something delicious and wholesome, this recipe effortlessly brings a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe relies on a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that each add their own special touch. From juicy, cooked chicken that brings heartiness to crisp cucumbers that provide crunch, every component complements the others to create a balanced and colorful dish.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups): Use shredded or diced for easy mixing and bite-sized pieces.
- Roasted red peppers (1 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Black olives (½ cup): Sliced for a salty, briny punch.
- Feta cheese (½ cup): Crumbled for creaminess and tang.
- Cucumbers (1 cup): Diced to deliver refreshing crunch.
- Red onion (¼ cup): Finely diced for a mild sharpness.
- Greek yogurt (½ cup): Forms the creamy base of the dressing, boosting tang and protein.
- Light mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds richness without overwhelming the dressing.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon): Chopped to infuse herbal brightness.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): Adds fresh, earthy notes.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Delivers zesty acidity to balance flavors.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): For gentle savory depth.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Celery seed (¼ teaspoon): Introduces a subtle, aromatic spice.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning harmony.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing
Start by combining Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir in the fresh dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery seed. Season the mixture with salt and pepper until the flavors come alive. This creamy, herb-packed dressing is what makes this salad sing with Mediterranean charm.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
In a spacious mixing bowl, add your cooked chicken breast, whether shredded or diced. This tender protein is the satisfying core of the Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe, giving it heart and substance.
Step 3: Mix in the Veggies
Next, toss in the crisp cucumbers, the sweet roasted red peppers, the salty black olives, and the mildly pungent red onion. These vibrant vegetables not only add bursts of flavor but also a delightful variety of textures and colors.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the luscious dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together to make sure each bite is coated with that flavorful dressing, melding all the ingredients into one cohesive, tasty salad.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. The creamy, tangy feta adds a perfect finishing touch and elevates the dish with authentic Mediterranean flair. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as you prefer.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley or dill on top before serving. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few lemon wedges on the side can also brighten up each plate and invite everyone to customize their bites.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, crusty artisan loaves, or even a bed of fluffy couscous. For a more substantial meal, a side of roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus complements the Mediterranean flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe in hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers for a visually stunning presentation. It also works marvelously as a filling for wraps, or spooned onto crostini for an elegant appetizer that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Because the dressing is yogurt-based, the salad stays fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
Due to the fresh vegetables and yogurt dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture and flavor of the ingredients might change unfavorably after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you do prefer it warmer, just allow the salad to come to room temperature naturally and avoid microwaving to preserve the crispness of the veggies.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient, flavorful option that works perfectly for this Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can substitute with regular plain yogurt or a mixture of sour cream and yogurt, but Greek yogurt provides a thicker, creamier texture that really enhances the salad’s dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep since it holds up well for a few days refrigerated. Just keep the feta separate until serving to preserve its texture and freshness.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or bell peppers are fantastic additions that keep the salad vibrant and full of Mediterranean character.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu, use dairy-free yogurt, and omit or replace feta with a vegan cheese alternative. The dressing can be made creamy with vegan mayo.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and refreshingly light. Its bright flavors, satisfying textures, and simple preparation make it a standout recipe to have in your weekly rotation. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to salad that impresses every time!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and healthy Mediterranean Chicken Salad that combines tender cooked chicken with vibrant vegetables and a creamy herb-infused Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad is flavorful, nutritious, and ready in just 10 minutes.
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, mix together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery seed until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breast, either shredded or diced, into a large mixing bowl as the base of your salad.
- Add the Veggies: Add the chopped cucumbers, diced red onions, chopped roasted red peppers, and sliced black olives to the bowl with the chicken. Stir gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Combine: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything thoroughly so each piece is well coated with the dressing for balanced flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top, and serve chilled or at room temperature as desired.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For a low-fat version, substitute light mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt or skip the mayonnaise entirely.
- Add fresh herbs like mint or oregano for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
- Serve with pita bread or over a bed of greens for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
