If you are craving a vibrant, healthy, and utterly satisfying dish, look no further than this Fresh Greek Chicken Salad Recipe. It is a delicious blend of tender cooked chicken, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and crumbly feta cheese, all tossed together in a light olive oil and lemon juice dressing. This salad is bursting with Mediterranean flavors, easy to prepare, and perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. The combination of textures and zesty flavors will make you want to come back for seconds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fresh Greek Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing fresh flavors, contrasting textures, and vibrant colors that bring the salad to life.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: The star protein, offering savory depth and satisfying heartiness.
- Cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch and a cool balance to the tangy elements.
- Tomatoes: Add juiciness and a pop of bright sweetness to the mix.
- Olives: Bring a salty, briny kick that is signature to Greek cuisine.
- Feta cheese: Offers creamy, tangy notes that perfectly complement the fresh veggies.
- Olive oil: A rich, fruity dressing base that ties everything together beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Adds invigorating acidity that brightens and balances flavors.
How to Make Fresh Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the cucumber and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and slicing the olives if they are large. Crumble the feta cheese so it’s ready to scatter throughout the salad. If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, grilling or roasting some chicken breast simply with salt and pepper will work perfectly here.
Step 2: Combine Everything in a Bowl
Place the cooked chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta into a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic begins as all those fresh ingredients come together.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat every bite with flavorful dressing, making sure nothing is left dry or dull.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and keeps the salad refreshingly cool, enhancing every mouthful.
How to Serve Fresh Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few whole olives on top to make the dish look extra inviting. A dusting of dried oregano can also enhance its Mediterranean vibe beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread or crusty baguette to soak up every bit of the lemony dressing. You could also add a side of hummus or tzatziki for extra creamy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Fresh Greek Chicken Salad Recipe in hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers as edible bowls. Alternatively, arrange it over a bed of mixed greens or cooked quinoa for a more substantial meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ideally consumed within 2 days to enjoy the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing this salad is not recommended as it can affect the texture and flavor negatively.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold. If you prefer, you can warm the cooked chicken separately and then toss it with the cold veggies and dressing just before eating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly to save time while adding deliciously seasoned meat to the salad.
What type of olives should I use?
Kalamata olives are traditional in Greek salads, known for their rich, fruity flavor, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese and replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like marinated tofu or chickpeas.
Is it necessary to chill the salad before serving?
Chilling helps the flavors meld and keeps the salad crisp and refreshing, but if you’re pressed for time, serving immediately is still delightful.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it keeps well for up to two days; after that, the fresh ingredients may start to lose their texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Greek Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that you’ll find yourself wanting to make again and again. It’s fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly combines nutritious ingredients into one satisfying bowl. Give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
Print
Fresh Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and healthy Greek Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, served chilled to enhance the fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, and crumble the feta cheese if not already done.
- Combine salad components: In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese together.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the combined ingredients.
- Toss to coat: Gently toss all the ingredients with the dressing ensuring everything is evenly coated and mixed well.
- Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad until chilled, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve the salad chilled to enhance the freshness and flavors.
- For added herbs, consider sprinkling chopped fresh oregano or parsley.
- This salad pairs well with warm pita bread or as a filling for wraps.
- Use cooked chicken breast for a leaner option.
