Name: Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491714H19M40S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 cups cooked boneless skinless chicken breast; 1/4 cup reduced fat feta cheese; 1/4 cup diced celery; 1/4 cup diced Persian cucumbers; 1/4 cup diced roasted red peppers (drained); 1/4 cup diced black olives; 2 tbsp diced red onions; 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt; 3 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/4 tsp celery seed

The Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. This recipe is perfect for various occasions, from light lunches to picnics or gatherings. With its creamy Greek yogurt dressing and a mix of vegetables, this salad stands out for its ease of preparation and delightful taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, this salad supports a balanced diet.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, as a sandwich filling, or atop greens for a filling meal.
Flavorful Dressing: The creamy Greek yogurt dressing enhances the dish without overwhelming the flavors.
Make Ahead Convenience: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious Mediterranean Chicken Salad, gather your essential tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows easy mixing of ingredients without spilling.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing ingredients efficiently.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate portions for consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

To create your Mediterranean Chicken Salad, gather the following fresh ingredients:

For the Salad

1.5 cups cooked boneless skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup reduced fat feta cheese
1/4 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup Persian cucumbers, diced
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced (drained and dried)
1/4 cup black olives, diced
2 tbsp red onions, diced

For the Dressing

1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
3 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp celery seed

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine the nonfat Greek yogurt, reduced fat mayonnaise, fresh dill, fresh parsley, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, pepper, and celery seeds.
Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Stir in the cooked chicken breast, reduced fat feta cheese, diced celery, Persian cucumbers, roasted red peppers, black olives, and red onions into the dressing mixture.
Gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Chill Before Serving

If possible, cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to deepen and blend together beautifully.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delightful Mediterranean Chicken Salad!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or as a light lunch, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

On a Bed of Greens

Add a handful of mixed greens or spinach beneath the salad for extra crunch and nutrients.

In a Pita Pocket

Stuff the Mediterranean Chicken Salad into whole wheat pita pockets for a quick, portable meal.

With Whole Grain Crackers

Serve alongside whole grain crackers for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy salad.

As a Wrap

Roll the salad in a tortilla for a delicious wrap option that’s perfect for on-the-go lunches.

Topped with Avocado

Add slices of ripe avocado on top for added creaminess and healthy fats.

How to Perfect Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Perfecting your Mediterranean Chicken Salad involves attention to detail and flavor balance. Here are some tips to enhance this dish:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor significantly. Look for vibrant cucumbers and fragrant dill.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your salad before serving. A pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference in flavor.
Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Experiment with Proteins: While chicken is delicious, try substituting with cooked turkey or shredded beef for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Mediterranean Chicken Salad can enhance the meal. Here are some great options:

Quinoa Tabbouleh: A refreshing side made with quinoa, parsley, tomatoes, and lemon juice; it complements the salad’s flavors well.
Hummus and Veggies: Serve with crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and bell peppers alongside a bowl of hummus for dipping.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side dish that pairs nicely with salads.
Greek Yogurt Dip: A cool yogurt dip infused with herbs can provide an extra layer of flavor when served alongside your salad.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of sweetness and is easy to prepare on the grill or stovetop.
Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous mixed with veggies and herbs creates an excellent complement to your chicken salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Mediterranean Chicken Salad even better. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using bland chicken: Always use well-seasoned, cooked chicken breast. This enhances flavor and improves the overall taste of the salad.
Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley add a vibrant touch. Don’t skip these; they are key to achieving that authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Overdressing the salad: Less is often more. Start with a small amount of dressing and adjust as needed to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
Not letting it rest: Allowing your salad to sit in the fridge for at least an hour helps flavors meld together better. Don’t rush this step!
Ignoring ingredient quality: Use high-quality feta cheese and olives for the best results. Lower quality ingredients can diminish the dish’s enjoyment.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Mediterranean Chicken Salad in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Freezing is not recommended, as it may change the texture of vegetables and yogurt dressing.
If you choose to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salad in an oven-safe dish and heat until warm, about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that often come up about Mediterranean Chicken Salad:

What is Mediterranean Chicken Salad?

Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a healthy dish featuring cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing.

How long does Mediterranean Chicken Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad lasts up to 3 days.

Can I customize my Mediterranean Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or swap ingredients like chickpeas or different vegetables based on your preferences.

Is Mediterranean Chicken Salad healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with lean protein from chicken and plenty of vitamins from fresh veggies, making it a nutritious choice.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to combine beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Salad is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various veggies or proteins according to your taste. Give it a try today; it’s perfect for lunch or as a light dinner!