LEMON HERB MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN SALAD
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light snack.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for many reasons. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect meal for busy days. The combination of protein from the chicken and the fresh vegetables ensures you get a healthy balance. Plus, it’s customizable! You can add your favorite ingredients or switch things up to keep it exciting.
How to Make Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Making this salad is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can whip it up in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, water, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Pour the marinade over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad
This salad is best served fresh. You can place it in a large bowl for sharing or serve it in individual plates. You can also add some crusty bread or pita on the side for a more filling meal.
How to Store Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat it within two days for optimal freshness. If you know you’ll have leftovers, you may want to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat.
Tips to Make Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep.
- Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers or spinach work great too!
- For extra crunch, add some nuts like walnuts or almonds.
Variation
You can make this salad vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein. You can also use different types of cheese, like goat cheese or mozzarella, instead of feta if you prefer.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time but add the dressing just before serving for the best flavor and freshness.
2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can add ingredients like olives, avocados, or roasted red peppers to enhance the Mediterranean vibe.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and shred it before adding it to the salad.
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant salad with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, water, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Pour the marinade over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
For optimal freshness, add the dressing just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: salad, chicken, Mediterranean, healthy, quick meal