Looking for a fresh twist on Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes? This Mediterranean Feta Chicken Salad is light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. You’ll love this vibrant dish for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner option.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or cook chicken breasts simply by poaching or baking.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta is best; you can use a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
- Cucumber: English cucumber works well, or any crisp cucumber variety.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for bursts of sweetness.
- Red Onion: Finely diced for a mild, crisp bite; soak in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness if desired.
- Kalamata Olives: Pitted and sliced; black olives can be used in a pinch.
- Fresh Dill: Don’t skip this for authentic Mediterranean flavor. Dried dill can be used, but use less.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ English cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken)
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, sharp knife, cutting board, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Ensure your chicken is cooked and cooled. Shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl.
2. Chop Your Vegetables
Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely dice the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives. Add all these prepared vegetables to the bowl with the chicken.
3. Add the Feta and Dill
Crumble in the feta cheese. Chop the fresh dill and add it to the bowl as well.
4. Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything until it’s evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for later. This makes a fantastic Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes option.
Variation Ideas:
- Add bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or arugula.
- Include chickpeas for added protein and fiber, making it an even heartier Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes choice.
- Serve it in lettuce cups, pita bread, or over a bed of mixed greens.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for a nutty flavor and texture.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Mediterranean Feta Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. Stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this Mediterranean Feta Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 1-2 days in advance. For best results, add the fresh dill and dressing closer to serving time to maintain freshness.
What kind of chicken should I use for Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes?
You can use leftover roast chicken, poached chicken breast, or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Mediterranean Feta Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh dill?
While fresh dill offers the best flavor, you can use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill if fresh is unavailable.
What are some serving suggestions for this Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes?
It’s delicious on its own, in a pita pocket, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or as a topping for a green salad.
How can I make this salad lower in sodium?
Rinse the feta and olives before adding them, or choose low-sodium versions of these ingredients.