If there’s one dish that instantly brightens my weeknight dinner table, it’s this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe. Brimming with the bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine—think juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, briny olives, and a zippy homemade dressing—it’s the kind of vibrant, refreshing salad that satisfies without weighing you down. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a hearty main, or meal-prepping for busy days, this colorful salad brings together protein-packed chicken and a rainbow of garden-fresh veggies, creating a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Feta Chicken Salad Recipe lies in just how accessible and fresh each ingredient is. Every item brings something special to the bowl—crunch, creaminess, a pop of color, or a punch of flavor—making this salad irresistible and oh-so-easy to pull together.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): A protein-packed base that keeps the salad light but filling. Rotisserie chicken makes a great shortcut!
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of color and freshness to every bite.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Delivers cooling crunch that pairs beautifully with savory ingredients.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): The star ingredient—its tangy, creamy bite ties the salad together.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Offers a pleasant, sharp zing to balance the salad’s richness.
- Kalamata olives (1/4 cup, pitted and sliced): Deep, salty complexity that gives this salad a Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a burst of herby brightness right at the finish.
- Mixed greens or romaine lettuce (4 cups): A crisp, leafy bed to pile your salad high—use whatever greens you love best!
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Provides a fruity, luxurious mouthfeel in the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings zesty acidity that wakes up all the flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to add depth and tang to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential finishers to heighten and balance all the other ingredients.
How to Make Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by getting all your ingredients ready. Shred or chop your cooked chicken breast, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, pit and slice the olives, and chop the parsley. This bit of upfront prep makes assembly a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Main Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine the chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and chopped parsley. Give everything a gentle toss so the flavors start to mingle—this is where the Mediterranean magic begins!
Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, plus a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk (or shake!) until the dressing is smooth and emulsified, transforming into a luscious, tangy blend.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the tangy vinaigrette over your chicken and veggie mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every bite gets a bit of that bold, zesty dressing. This is where everything comes alive and the feta takes on a starring role.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the mixed greens or romaine lettuce onto a serving platter or on individual plates. Spoon the dressed chicken salad mixture over the greens, piling it high and proud! Serve immediately, or let it chill for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator to intensify all those delicious flavors.
How to Serve Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of extra crumbled feta, freshly chopped parsley, or a light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving. A squeeze of lemon adds an extra zing, and a few scattered olives look especially inviting.
Side Dishes
This Feta Chicken Salad Recipe shines alongside warm pita bread, herbed couscous, or a side of roasted sweet potatoes. If you want to keep things especially light, serve it with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer, or scoop it onto toasted baguette slices for an effortless party snack. You can also meal-prep it in mason jars for lunch on the go—just layer the greens on top, and shake it up when you’re ready to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the Feta Chicken Salad (without the greens) to an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days—just wait to add the greens until right before serving to keep things crisp.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and feta, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The texture of the cucumbers and tomatoes suffers in the freezer, and the cheese can become crumbly and watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh, or stored in the fridge for a few days.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad—the Feta Chicken Salad Recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature. Simply give it a toss before serving to refresh the flavors, especially if it’s been in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta gives the recipe its signature zing, you could try goat cheese for a creamier twist or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a sharper bite.
Is the Feta Chicken Salad Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Assemble the salad ingredients and dressing ahead, store separately, and toss together just before eating for the freshest flavor and texture.
What kind of chicken works best?
Any cooked chicken breast works well, whether it’s poached, baked, leftover grilled chicken, or even rotisserie chicken for extra convenience. The key is to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
How do I make it dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, simply swap in a vegan feta alternative or skip the cheese altogether—you’ll still have plenty of savory flavors from the olives, herbs, and tangy vinaigrette.
Can I add extra ingredients to the Feta Chicken Salad Recipe?
Definitely! Avocado, cooked quinoa, roasted red peppers, or toasted pine nuts all make fantastic additions that bring extra protein, richness, or crunch, letting you tailor the salad to your taste.
Final Thoughts
With its bright flavors and enticing textures, this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser—easy enough for busy weeknights, yet special enough to serve at your next gathering. I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with how simple, colorful, and satisfying this salad truly is!
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Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Feta Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful mix of tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and other Mediterranean flavors, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s perfect for a light meal or a side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce
Dressing Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, red onion, olives, and parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to combine. Arrange the mixed greens on a platter or plates. Top with the chicken salad mixture. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add avocado or cooked quinoa for extra richness and protein.
- For a dairy-free version, use a vegan feta alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
