Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with bright flavors, crisp textures, and vibrant Mediterranean flair, this Mediterranean Chicken Salad will have you hooked from the very first forkful. Imagine tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and briny olives all tossed together with a zesty lemon-oregano dressing and finished with creamy feta and fragrant herbs. It’s the kind of salad that feels both nourishing and indulgent, and it’s just as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for impressing friends at a sunny picnic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients come together to make this Mediterranean Chicken Salad truly irresistible. Each element adds its own unique personality to the mix, creating a salad that’s colorful, satisfying, and absolutely unforgettable.
- Chicken breast: Shredded or diced cooked chicken is the star of the show, offering lean protein and a tender bite — rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a shortcut.
- Cherry tomatoes: These little gems bring a pop of sweetness and juicy freshness to every mouthful.
- Cucumber: Crisp and cool, diced cucumber adds a refreshing crunch that brightens the salad.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle bite and a touch of color that ties everything together.
- Kalamata olives: Pitted and sliced, they infuse the salad with their signature briny, savory notes.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta offers creamy, salty richness that perfectly balances the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley brings vibrant green color and a clean, herby finish.
- Fresh dill: Just a couple tablespoons of dill add a lovely, aromatic lift that feels so Mediterranean.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The backbone of the dressing, adding smoothness and depth.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes the whole salad sing with bright, tangy acidity.
- Red wine vinegar: A splash of this sharp, fruity vinegar enhances the dressing’s complexity.
- Dried oregano: Just a teaspoon gives that quintessential Mediterranean aroma you know and love.
- Salt: A half-teaspoon brings all the flavors into harmony.
- Black pepper: Just enough for a gentle kick and extra depth.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Step 1: Chop and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all your fresh ingredients. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley and dill. If you’re using store-bought rotisserie chicken, simply shred it with your hands or two forks. Having everything ready before you assemble makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and fresh dill. This is where all those beautiful colors and textures start to come together, and it’s hard not to get excited seeing the salad build in the bowl!
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure it’s well combined and smooth — this zesty, aromatic dressing is what ties the Mediterranean Chicken Salad together and gives it that irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss everything until all the ingredients are evenly coated. You want every bite to have a little bit of everything, so take your time and toss with care.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Transfer your salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 20 minutes. This short resting period is key! It allows all those Mediterranean flavors to meld together, making each spoonful even more delicious. If you have extra time, letting it chill for up to an hour makes it even better.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Give your Mediterranean Chicken Salad a finishing touch with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or dill, a few more crumbles of feta, and maybe even a twist of freshly ground black pepper. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a gorgeous sheen and a little extra richness.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a main course, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it alongside warm pita bread, crisp pita chips, or a fluffy couscous pilaf. A bowl of lemony lentil soup or a platter of hummus with fresh veggies makes the meal feel complete and oh-so-satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Scoop the Mediterranean Chicken Salad onto a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad bowl, stuff it into pita pockets for a grab-and-go lunch, or pile it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb wrap. For a party, serve it in small cups or on endive leaves for a colorful appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen a bit as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the fresh vegetables and herbs tend to lose their crispness and become watery once thawed. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Salad fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad — it’s designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warmer option, just let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This way, the flavors really come alive and the dressing shines.
FAQs
Can I make Mediterranean Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead or even the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge, and give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
Any cooked chicken breast will do, whether you roast it yourself, use leftover grilled chicken, or opt for a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced for the best texture.
How can I make this salad dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative. The salad will still be packed with flavor thanks to the herbs, olives, and zesty dressing.
Can I add extra veggies or protein?
Definitely! Try adding chickpeas for extra protein and fiber, or toss in diced bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even sun-dried tomatoes for more Mediterranean flair. Feel free to customize it to your taste.
Is Mediterranean Chicken Salad gluten-free?
Yes, the salad itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free sides if needed, such as gluten-free pita or on a bed of greens.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something wholesome, flavorful, and easy to whip up, give this Mediterranean Chicken Salad a try. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of sunshine to any table, and I have no doubt it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish combining tender chicken breast with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and savory Kalamata olives. Tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing with fresh herbs, it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes without any cooking.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
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 salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or diced cooked chicken breast, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, pitted and sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh dill. Gently toss to mix well.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled on its own, paired with pita bread, or over a bed of fresh greens for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option without cooking.
- Add chickpeas to the salad for additional protein and fiber.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
