Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a lunch that’s light, flavorful, and anything but boring, this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe just might become your new obsession. Tender chicken, briny feta, and crisp veggies are tossed together in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome. With a perfect blend of tang, crunch, and freshness, this recipe turns a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Whether you tuck it into a sandwich, pile it over greens, or scoop it up with crackers, this salad brings bright Mediterranean flair to your table, making lunchtime anything but routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients come together to deliver big flavor in the Feta Chicken Salad Recipe. Each one adds a unique taste, texture, or burst of freshness, creating a salad that’s anything but ordinary.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Juicy, lean, and the perfect base for soaking up the creamy dressing.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Salty and tangy, feta brings a pop of creaminess and Mediterranean character to every bite.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a subtle tang, making the salad creamy without being heavy.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Helps the dressing coat everything luxuriously; use all Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens things up, adding a fresh, zesty note that really wakes up the flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Just a touch delivers a gentle heat and a savory kick to the creamy base.
- Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Crunchy, fresh, and essential for that classic salad bite.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): A little sharpness goes a long way, balancing the creamy flavors beautifully.
- Cucumber (1/4 cup, diced): Cool, juicy, and refreshing, cucumber adds a welcome burst of brightness.
- Fresh dill or parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings herby freshness and a shot of color that makes the salad pop.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
How to Make Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl. This creamy base is the backbone of the Feta Chicken Salad Recipe, combining the tanginess of yogurt and lemon with the subtle spice of mustard. Whisk until smooth and well blended, ensuring the dressing will evenly coat all your salad ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Veggies
Add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken directly into the bowl with your dressing. Toss in the feta cheese, diced celery, red onion, cucumber, and chopped herbs. Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor and texture, transforming the salad into something vibrant and delicious.
Step 3: Mix and Season
Stir everything together until all the chicken and veggies are generously coated in the creamy dressing. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and black pepper; these finishing touches help all the other flavors shine. If you like, add a little more lemon juice or fresh herbs to taste for an extra pop of flavor.
Step 4: Let It Chill
For the absolute best results, cover and chill your Feta Chicken Salad Recipe for at least 15 minutes. This short rest allows all the flavors to mingle, making every bite perfectly balanced and delicious. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
How to Serve Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
This salad is already colorful, but a few thoughtful garnishes really elevate your presentation. Try a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley, a few extra crumbles of feta, or even thinly sliced cucumbers for a stunning, restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
Looking to make it a full meal? Serve alongside a simple green salad, a handful of crisp crackers, or scooped into lettuce cups for a refreshing crunch. For a touch of Mediterranean flair, pair with pita bread or a vibrant tabbouleh salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just stick to bowls—get playful! Pile the salad onto toasted sourdough for an open-face sandwich, roll it up into a wrap, or serve it in hollowed-out tomatoes or avocado halves for a fun, nutritious twist. The Feta Chicken Salad Recipe is as flexible as your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is a meal prep superstar. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy for up to three days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended because dairy-based dressings can separate and veggies can lose their crunch, you can prep and freeze just the cooked chicken ahead of time to speed up future salad making.
Reheating
This Feta Chicken Salad Recipe is truly best served cold, straight from the fridge. If you want to take the chill off, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving, but avoid actual reheating as it can affect the creamy dressing and veggies.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and adds an extra savory depth. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred or chop the meat before mixing it into the salad.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to feta and yogurt?
If you need a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based feta and coconut or soy yogurt in place of the Greek yogurt. The salad will still be creamy and tangy, just with a different kind of richness.
What other herbs can I use?
Fresh dill and parsley are fabulous, but you can experiment with cilantro, tarragon, or basil for a different flavor profile. Herbs are an easy way to make this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe uniquely yours.
How can I make this salad even more Mediterranean?
Add chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for an extra punch of Mediterranean flavor. Even a sprinkle of za’atar or oregano can take it to the next level.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! The Feta Chicken Salad Recipe scales up easily for meal prep, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd. Just double (or triple!) the quantities and use a really big mixing bowl.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh, protein-packed, and downright delicious, don’t hesitate to whip up this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s quick, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch it become a regular on your lunchtime menu!
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Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Feta Chicken Salad recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a light lunch or meal prep. With the tangy flavor of feta cheese combined with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, this salad is a Mediterranean delight.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, feta cheese, celery, red onion, cucumber, and herbs. Stir until coated.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy on a sandwich, wrap, greens, or with crackers.
Notes
- You can substitute all Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
