Why Make This Recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a delightful and healthy dish that brings together fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. It incorporates various textures and tastes, from creamy to crunchy, and can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups cooked boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup reduced fat feta cheese
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup Persian cucumbers, diced
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced (drained and dried)
- 1/4 cup black olives, diced
- 2 tbsp red onions, diced
- 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp celery seed
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh dill, fresh parsley, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, pepper, and celery seeds.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, feta cheese, celery, cucumbers, roasted red peppers, olives, and red onions.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- For best results, store the salad in the fridge for about an hour before serving to let the flavors deepen and combine.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Serve Mediterranean Chicken Salad chilled on a bed of greens or in a wrap. It also works well as a filling for pita pockets or as a topping for whole-grain crackers. Consider adding some extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of olives on top for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Store any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as ingredients may settle over time.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra crunch.
- Adjust the herbs to your liking. If you love basil, toss in a little for a different flavor.
Variation
You can swap out the chicken for chickpeas to make it vegetarian. Additionally, try adding grains like quinoa or couscous for a heartier salad.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use canned chicken, but make sure to drain it well before mixing it with other ingredients.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, Mediterranean Chicken Salad is gluten-free as all the ingredients are naturally without gluten.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing
- 0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried dill, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Combine and Serve
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for later.