Name: Greek-Style Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded); 1 medium cucumber (diced); 2 medium tomatoes (diced); 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved); 4 oz feta cheese (crumbled); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Discover the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Greek-Style Chicken Salad, where tender, juicy chicken meets crisp, refreshing vegetables in a harmonious blend. Each bite bursts with freshness from ripe tomatoes and cucumber, balanced by the salty tang of Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese.

Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad captures the essence of Greek cuisine with its bright lemon dressing and fresh herbs. It’s healthy, colorful, and quick to prepare, bringing a taste of the sun-drenched Mediterranean right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make with cooked chicken and fresh vegetables.
Balanced Mediterranean flavors combining tangy, salty, and herby notes.
Versatile dish that works well as a light meal or a side.

Ingredients

Cooked chicken breast (500 g): Tender, diced or shredded chicken provides lean protein and a hearty base for the salad.
Medium cucumber (1): Crisp and refreshing diced cucumber adds crunch and a cooling contrast.
Medium tomatoes (2): Juicy diced tomatoes introduce sweetness and vibrant color.
Red onion (¼, thinly sliced): Adds a sharp, zesty bite that complements the creamy feta.
Kalamata olives (½ cup, pitted and halved): These briny olives infuse the salad with distinct, savory depth.
Feta cheese (115 g, crumbled): Creamy and salty, feta perfectly enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Bright, herbaceous parsley adds freshness and aromatic notes.
Extra-virgin olive oil (¼ cup): Rich and fruity oil forms the luscious dressing base.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Tart lemon juice brings brightness and balances richness.
Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy, acidic kick to the dressing.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic Mediterranean herb that adds earthy aroma.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Contributes mild garlic flavor without overpowering the salad.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Fine-tunes seasoning to enhance all ingredients’ natural flavors.

Instructions

Combine Fresh Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix diced or shredded cooked chicken with freshly diced cucumber, tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and pitted Kalamata olives. This step creates the vibrant base of textures and flavors essential for the salad’s refreshing profile.
Prepare the Vibrant Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until emulsified. This dressing infuses the salad with tangy and herbaceous tones, binding ingredients with rich brightness.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then gently toss to ensure every bite is evenly coated. Tossing lightly preserves the crispness of the vegetables while distributing flavor harmoniously throughout the salad.
Add Feta and Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the salad then toss lightly once more. The creamy feta contrasts the sharp vegetables, and parsley adds fresh, aromatic notes to complete the Mediterranean flavor experience.
Serve or Chill: Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest texture or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld deeply. Chilling slightly enhances the taste but preserves the crisp, light character of the dish.

You Must Know

Use grilled or roasted chicken for extra smoky depth and flavor.
Adding diced bell peppers or extra cucumbers gives an appealing crunch.
For a heartier salad, toss in chickpeas or pair with warm pita bread.
This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days, but best enjoyed fresh.

Storage Tips

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain its freshness. Keep the dressing separate if storing longer to avoid soggy vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Greek-Style Chicken Salad as a standalone light meal or alongside warm pita bread or crusty whole-grain bread for a more filling dining option. It also pairs beautifully with lemon roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.

Professional Tips

Use freshly cooked or well-seasoned chicken to elevate flavors.
Allow the salad to rest briefly after tossing to let ingredients harmonize.
Opt for high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best dressing taste.
Adjust lemon and vinegar balance to your preferred level of tanginess.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken in this salad?: No, this recipe uses cooked chicken breast, which can be grilled, roasted, or boiled ahead of time for convenience and safety.
Can I substitute feta cheese?: Yes, you can try goat cheese or halloumi for different textures and flavors, though feta is traditional to keep the authentic Mediterranean taste.
Is this salad gluten-free?: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I add nuts or seeds?: Yes, toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds add delightful crunch and nutrition if desired.
How long can leftovers be stored?: Keeps well for up to 2 days in the fridge; however, salad is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
What can I serve with this salad?: Pairs wonderfully with warm pita, roasted vegetables, or a light soup for a balanced meal.
Can I make the dressing in advance?: Absolutely, prepare the dressing up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge; whisk before use.