“I’m trying to go out for lunch less and this recipe has been my savior!”
Feta Chicken Salad
This Feta Chicken Salad is a flavorful and refreshing twist on a classic. It combines tender shredded chicken with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a creamy, herb-infused dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, sandwich filling, or a side dish at a picnic, this salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling refreshed.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken, shredded | 3 cups |
| Red Onion, diced | ½ small |
| Red Pepper, diced | ½ |
| Celery Stalks, diced | 3 |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Feta Crumbles | ½ cup |
| Dried Dill | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, diced red onion, diced red pepper, and diced celery stalks. The chicken can be rotisserie chicken, grilled, or even leftover chicken from a previous meal. Toss the ingredients together gently to ensure they are evenly mixed. The fresh vegetables add a delightful crunch, while the chicken provides a satisfying, protein-packed base for the salad. - Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, feta crumbles, dried dill, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. The feta crumbles add a creamy and tangy richness to the dressing, while the dill and oregano provide an herbaceous aroma. Mix everything together thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well combined. You can adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. - Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Spoon the creamy mayonnaise dressing mixture onto the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold and stir the ingredients to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want the chicken to stay in tender, shredded pieces while still being coated in the dressing. - Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Feta Chicken Salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling the salad allows the dressing to fully absorb into the chicken and vegetables, making every bite more flavorful. The longer you chill it, the better the flavors will develop. Pro Tip: For even more flavor, let the salad chill overnight. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for busy days, picnics, or meal prepping for the week. - Serve:
Serve the Feta Chicken Salad chilled, either on its own as a light main dish, in a sandwich or wrap, or as a side to a larger meal. It pairs wonderfully with leafy greens, crackers, or a fresh baguette. Garnish with extra crumbled feta or fresh herbs if desired.
Additional Tips:
- For a more substantial salad, you can add a handful of mixed greens such as spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce right before serving.
- If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
- This recipe is easily customizable—feel free to add in other ingredients like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or olives if desired.
Enjoy this creamy and herb-infused chicken salad, perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or a satisfying dish at your next gathering!
