Greek-Style Chicken Salad

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine? This Greek-Style Chicken Salad is bursting with fresh flavors and wholesome goodness, ready in minutes. Silky chicken meets crisp vegetables and tangy dressing, making it ideal for a quick lunch, picnic, or light dinner. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine, this salad is a delightful twist on a classic. Let’s dive into the magic of this incredible Greek-Style Chicken Salad!

Why You’ll Love This Greek-Style Chicken Salad

• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
• Features a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
• Budget-friendly, using everyday ingredients.
• Layers of fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite.
• Requires minimal cleanup compared to elaborate meals.
• Aroma fills the kitchen, transporting you to the Greek Isles.
• Simple enough for even beginner cooks to master.
• An irresistible and healthy alternative to heavier meals.

This salad is a refreshing and flavorful experience. Its simplicity and vibrant taste will surely become a favorite!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Greek-Style Chicken Salad. Remember to choose the freshest ingredients for the best flavor. Using good quality ingredients will elevate this simple salad.

Chicken & Dressing

• Cooked Chicken Breast: 500g / ~2 cups, shredded or diced. Use leftover roasted chicken or grill some fresh.
• Olive Oil: 60ml / 1/4 cup, extra virgin is best.
• Lemon Juice: 30ml / 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed.
• Red Wine Vinegar: 15ml / 1 tablespoon.
• Dried Oregano: 5ml / 1 teaspoon.
• Garlic Powder: 2.5ml / 1/2 teaspoon.
• Salt: To taste.
• Black Pepper: To taste, freshly ground.

Vegetables & Other Additions

• Cucumber: 1 medium, diced.
• Tomato: 2 medium, diced. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Red Onion: 1/4 medium, thinly sliced.
• Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup, pitted and halved.
• Feta Cheese: 115g / 4 oz, crumbled.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. Find fresh herbs at farmers’ markets for the best aroma.

For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your dried oregano in a dry pan before adding it to the dressing. This unlocks the oils and enhances its aroma!

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Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes all the difference! Here’s what you’ll need.

• Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing all ingredients together.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy board for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: To dice veggies with precision.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.

Optional: A food processor for speedy chopping, if you prefer a finer dice. A good knife really does make cooking easier. A heavy bowl will also help with mixing.

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Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of the recipe details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (if chicken is already cooked)
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

This recipe scales up beautifully for a crowd. Halve it for a quick solo lunch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfect Greek-Style Chicken Salad every time!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Ensure the cooked chicken breast is shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Set aside in the mixing bowl.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Dice the cucumber and tomato into small, even pieces. Thinly slice the red onion. Halve the Kalamata olives. Add all of these to the mixing bowl with the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For a richer flavor, let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes before using.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until well coated. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the tomatoes mushy.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Crumble the feta cheese over the salad. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Toss gently once more to distribute the feta and parsley evenly.

Step 6: Serve Immediately or Chill

Serve the Greek-Style Chicken Salad immediately for the freshest taste. Alternatively, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld even further. This salad is delicious on its own, or served with pita bread or crackers.

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Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your Greek-Style Chicken Salad is a triumph!

• Don’t overdress the salad. Start with a little dressing and add more to taste.
• Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can substitute with another type of olive, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Taste as you go and adjust seasonings according to your preference.

Save time with pre-chopped veggies from the store. Just be sure to use them quickly, as they tend to spoil faster.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize this Greek-Style Chicken Salad to your liking!

• Add chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
• Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option.
• Use a different type of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for a slightly different flavor.
• Add bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• For a creamier salad, mix a little Greek yogurt into the dressing.

Gluten-free? Just be sure your dressing ingredients are gluten-free. Rice flour can be used as an alternative thickening agent if needed.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Greek-Style Chicken Salad

Elevate your meal with these delightful serving suggestions!

• Serve with warm pita bread for scooping.
• Pair with a side of lemon-roasted potatoes.
• Enjoy with a refreshing glass of sparkling water or homemade lemonade.
• This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and light lunches.

Stack slices high and drizzle the remaining dressing artfully over the salad for a gorgeous presentation.

Health Benefits

This Greek-Style Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits!

• Chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Cucumbers and tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Olive oil is a healthy fat that supports heart health.
• Feta cheese provides calcium for strong bones.

Spinach brings iron and folate to the table. One serving rivals a multivitamin with all its nutrients!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Greek-Style Chicken Salad.

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• It’s best to eat this salad cold.
• Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables can become mushy when thawed.

Cool the salad fully before sealing it to prevent condensation and spoilage. Store in glass for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Avoid Soggy Results?

Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the diced vegetables before adding them to the salad.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to add the feta cheese and parsley just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?

Yes, you can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or another crumbly cheese of your choice.

What Can I Serve This Salad With?

This salad is great on its own, but it’s also delicious served with pita bread, crackers, or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes, but watch the seasoning carefully; taste and adjust as needed, ensuring each flavor component remains balanced.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: Approximately 350 cal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 10g
• Protein: 30g

Exact stats need a nutrition calculator. Carbs come from wholesome vegetables.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more Mediterranean flavors? Try these gems!

• Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – A fresh and flavorful salad with chickpeas, feta, and a zesty dressing.
• Greek Pasta Salad with Lemon Dressing – A light and tangy pasta salad perfect for a summer meal.
• Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet – A delicious and easy fish dish with a burst of lemon flavor.

Conclusion

This Greek-Style Chicken Salad is a fast, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s sure to be a hit. Whip it up tonight, and tag us with your masterpiece! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas!

Happy cooking! Let us know how it goes—comment below!

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