Mediterranean Herb Chicken Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Mediterranean Herb Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing blend of flavors that's perfect for any season. Packed with fresh herbs and tangy feta, it's a satisfying dish for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Herb Chicken Salad

Cooked chicken breast forms the protein-packed base, shredded for perfect texture. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color, while cucumber brings a refreshing crunch. Red bell pepper, with its mild sweetness, complements the juicy tomatoes. Red onion offers a sharp bite, balanced by the salty richness of Kalamata olives. Feta cheese provides a tangy creaminess, and the blend of fresh herbs — parsley, basil, and mint — elevate the salad with their aromatic freshness. The olive oil and lemon juice dressing ties everything together with a bright, zesty finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the best texture, shred the chicken instead of dicing it.
  • Use fresh herbs only; dried ones won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
  • If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for a few minutes before mixing the dressing.
  • To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken for chickpeas or grilled eggplant.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or pita. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a bowl of couscous or quinoa. A chilled white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon makes an excellent beverage choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.
What if I don't have Kalamata olives?
Feel free to substitute with any other type of olive you prefer, like green olives.
Can I use a different cheese?
Sure, goat cheese or mozzarella can also work well in this salad.

Mediterranean Herb Chicken Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll want to have your 2 cups of cooked chicken breast already shredded to save time. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup of sliced Kalamata olives. This forms the hearty base of your salad.

Next, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. This dressing is what will marry all the flavors, so give it a good whisk to blend it all smoothly.

Pour the whisked dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Using salad tongs or your hands, toss everything gently to ensure the dressing coats every bit evenly. This step is crucial for achieving that wonderful, cohesive taste in every bite.

Now, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese along with 2 tablespoons each of freshly chopped parsley, basil, and mint. Give it another gentle toss to distribute the cheese and herbs throughout the salad. The fresh herbs will instantly uplift the dish, making it smell as good as it tastes.

Serve the salad immediately if you’re in a hurry, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy days.
  • A healthy and flavorful way to use leftover chicken.
  • Offers a delightful balance of fresh herbs and savory ingredients.
  • No cooking required beyond the chicken — ideal for hot days.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Add crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley, basil, and mint.
5. Gently toss the salad again to combine all ingredients.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

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