If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-packed salad, this Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender cooked chicken with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy lemon-oregano dressing that sings with every bite. The addition of salty kalamata olives and crumbly feta cheese perfectly balances the flavors, making it a delightfully refreshing yet satisfying meal. Whether you need a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe offers a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element contributes not only to the bold flavors but also to the vibrant colors and textures that make this dish so inviting.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped chicken for a hearty protein base.
- 1 large ripe avocado: Adds creamy richness that complements the zesty dressing.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved to release their juicy sweetness and provide a pop of color.
- 1/2 cup cucumber: Diced cucumber gives a refreshing crunch for balance.
- 1/4 cup red onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle bite and slight sharpness.
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives: Sliced for a briny, savory kick that’s quintessentially Greek.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Offers a tangy, creamy contrast to the avocado.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright herbal note.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Provides zesty acidity to lift the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Enhances richness and ties the salad together.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, Greek-inspired aroma.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to highlight all the components.
How to Make Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing the cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sliced kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. This colorful combination sets the foundation for a perfectly balanced Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a smaller bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This bright and fragrant dressing is the secret behind the refreshing zing that brings this salad to life.
Step 3: Toss Salad with Dressing
Pour the lemon-oregano dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together, making sure each bite is coated with the flavorful dressing without mashing the avocado. This step ensures every ingredient melds beautifully while maintaining their distinct textures.
Step 4: Garnish and Adjust
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a final burst of color and freshness. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
How to Serve Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, but you can also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few extra crumbles of feta for some added texture and richness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving elevates the salad’s luxurious feel.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, crunchy cucumber slices, or even a bowl of your favorite olives. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light Mediterranean soup to round out the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling creative? Try stuffing the Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe into pita pockets for a handheld delight or serve it over a bed of leafy greens like baby spinach or arugula for a vibrant salad bowl. It also makes a fantastic topping for crackers or crostini at cocktail parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the avocado from browning, add a little extra lemon juice before sealing. Consume within 1–2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing this salad is not recommended because of the avocado’s delicate texture and the fresh ingredients, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken and combine with fresh salad ingredients for a quick, no-cook meal.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature to preserve the textures and flavors. If reheating the chicken, do it gently on the stove or microwave, then toss with the fresh ingredients and dressing for a delicious, freshly assembled salad experience.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this salad?
Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch, but fresh cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken will provide a superior texture and flavor for the Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Keeping the avocado fresh is a common concern. Adding lemon juice not only enhances flavor but also slows browning. If storing the salad, mix in extra lemon juice and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
Absolutely! The Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein, making it an excellent choice for low-carb or keto-friendly meals.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
If you prefer, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version. The salad will still be delicious and full of Mediterranean flavors.
What can I add for extra crunch?
To add some crunch, consider tossing in toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. These nuts not only add texture but also boost the nutritional profile.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen due to its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and wholesome ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal that feels both refreshing and indulgent. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again when you want a healthy dish that never compromises on taste.
Print
Greek Avocado 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: Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant Greek Avocado Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken breast with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy kalamata olives, and crumbly feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty lemon-oregano dressing, this salad is a nutritious and flavorful meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 large ripe avocado (diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives (sliced)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Dressing
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix to combine the ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together, ensuring all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Adjust Seasoning: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salad for extra flavor and color. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for best freshness or chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving. If stored ahead, add extra lemon juice just before serving to keep the avocado from browning.
Notes
- For added flavor, use grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of boiled or baked chicken breast.
- This salad can also be served wrapped in pita bread or over a bed of greens for a satisfying, light lunch.
- To maintain the avocado’s bright color when making ahead, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
