Greek Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Chicken Salad is the ultimate balance of textures and flavors. The crunch of fresh cucumber, bell pepper, and baby romaine lettuce is complemented by the rich, creamy feta and the bold, salty kalamata olives. The addition of cooked chicken makes this salad hearty enough for a full meal, while the homemade dressing brings a tangy, garlicky punch that ties it all together. It’s quick to prepare, loaded with healthy ingredients, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 head baby romaine lettuce, diced (or half of one large head)
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 1½ cups (199.5 g) diced cucumber
• ¼ cup (40 g) diced red onion
• 1¼ lb (566.99 g) cooked chicken, diced
• ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta
• ⅓ cup (45 g) kalamata olives

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup (59.15 ml) avocado or olive oil
• ¼ cup (59.15 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp dried marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the diced romaine lettuce, tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cooked chicken. Toss them together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
2. Add the Feta and Olives: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives over the salad mixture. Gently toss again to combine.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the avocado (or olive) oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried marjoram. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the ingredients are well coated.
5. Serve: Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish or 6-8 people as a side salad.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add chickpeas or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option that still has plenty of protein.
• Extra Veggies: Add additional Mediterranean vegetables such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or cucumbers for a refreshing twist.
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the salad.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the feta and replace it with dairy-free cheese or simply add extra olives for a tangy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you plan to store the salad, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary. Simply serve chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard in the dressing?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even a bit of honey mustard for a slight twist in flavor.

Can I use a different type of olives?

Yes, you can substitute kalamata olives with green olives or any type of Mediterranean olives you prefer.

Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

How can I make the salad spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing to give the salad an extra kick of heat.

Can I use grilled chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, grilled chicken adds a nice smoky flavor and is an excellent choice for this salad. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you prefer a different cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta salata as a substitute for feta, though the flavor will be a bit different.

Can I add quinoa or couscous to make it more filling?

Yes, adding cooked quinoa or couscous is a great way to turn this salad into a more filling meal while keeping it light and healthy.

Can I make this salad without the dressing?

While the dressing adds a lot of flavor, you can certainly serve the salad without it. You might want to drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice over it for added flavor if you skip the dressing.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of crisp veggies, tender chicken, and bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients, making it the perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or as a side to your main course. With its fresh ingredients and tangy homemade dressing, it’s a salad that’s both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy it as a light meal on its own or pair it with your favorite protein for a heartier dish!

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