Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a lunch option that’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying, look no further than this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe. Combining juicy chicken, tangy feta, and a host of fresh Mediterranean flavors, this salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you pile it onto a crusty piece of bread, a crisp bed of romaine, or wrap it up in a pita for on-the-go munching, this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe will fast become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe such a knockout is its simple ingredient list, where every element brings something important to the table. From the creaminess of Greek yogurt and feta to vibrant veggies and herbs, nothing here is extra—each bite is thoughtfully layered, colorful, and balanced.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): The star of the salad, it provides lean protein and soaks up all the lovely dressing flavors.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Creamy, tangy, and salty, it adds unmistakable Mediterranean flair and richness.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/3 cup): Lighter than mayo but still creamy—this is the backbone of the dressing.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): A little bit goes a long way to round out the dressing with smoothness and body.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Provides a fresh, zesty kick that brightens all the flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle tang and subtle spice, making the dressing pop.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a mellow, savory undertone without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For just a hint of heat that lifts everything up.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the other flavors; feta adds saltiness too, so keep it light.
- Diced cucumber (1/2 cup): Crisp and cool, cucumber delivers refreshing crunch with every bite.
- Halved cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup): Juicy bursts of sweetness, gorgeous pops of color, and pure summer energy.
- Chopped red onion (1/4 cup): A sharp, savory edge that balances out the creaminess nicely.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): A sprinkle of herby vibrance that ties everything together.
How to Make Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—the kind you’ll want to dive a spoon into. Whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is silky smooth and gorgeously creamy. This base sets the tone for every mouthful, with tang, brightness, and just enough richness to coat everything perfectly.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Feta
Now, pile in your cooked chicken breast and crumbled feta cheese. Give it a gentle toss so every piece of chicken gets a coating of that luscious dressing, and pockets of feta peek through for creamy, tangy bites that keep things exciting.
Step 3: Fold in Veggies and Herbs
Time for freshness! Stir in the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and parsley. These veggies add pops of color, juiciness, and crunch, transforming the salad into a vibrant celebration. Mix gently, just until everything is evenly distributed—you want those veggies to stay crisp and bright.
Step 4: Chill to Meld Flavors
Cover the bowl and let your Feta Chicken Salad Recipe hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. A little patience goes a long way here—this time lets all the flavors get to know each other, resulting in a truly cohesive and craveworthy salad.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, give the salad a quick stir and you’re ready to serve! Spoon it into pitas, scoop it over greens, or simply enjoy as-is. No matter how you serve it, this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe guarantees smiles all around.
How to Serve Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a generous handful of fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra feta, or a scatter of toasted pine nuts on top for extra flavor and crunch. If you love olives, a few sliced Kalamatas never hurt anybody—these garnishes make every serving feel a little extra special.
Side Dishes
This Feta Chicken Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with a side of warm pita bread, crunchy pita chips, or a light Greek cucumber salad. For something heartier, a lemony orzo pasta or roasted potatoes make it a satisfying meal that still feels fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Tuck the salad into lettuce cups for a low-carb lunch, stuff it into a hollowed-out tomato for a dinner party, or wrap it up in a tortilla for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken wrap. It also makes a fantastic meal-prep option—simply chill in mason jars layered with greens for grab-and-go ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any extra Feta Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making every leftover bite just as wonderful as the first.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze this salad, the veggies and dairy don’t always thaw gracefully—the texture may become watery and the feta crumbly. For best results, keep it in the fridge and enjoy it fresh!
Reheating
This Feta Chicken Salad Recipe is all about cool, refreshing flavors and is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat (and we recommend you don’t!)—just give it a stir and serve straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just be sure to shred or chop it well before mixing into the Feta Chicken Salad Recipe.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to feta cheese?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute vegan feta or even use diced avocado for creaminess. The result will be slightly different, but still incredibly tasty and satisfying.
Can I make this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a few hours ahead (or even the night before) gives the flavors more time to meld, making every spoonful more delicious. Just store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.
What’s the best way to serve this salad for meal prep?
Layer the salad into individual containers, separating any lettuce or greens to keep them crisp. Grab a fork and you’ve got healthy, protein-packed lunches sorted for the week!
Can I swap out any of the vegetables?
Definitely! This Feta Chicken Salad Recipe is super flexible. Try chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even baby spinach for a twist—just keep the proportions similar so you retain the right balance of crunch and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe! It’s light, packed with Mediterranean zest, and so easy to throw together. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a standout dish for your next lunch gathering, this is one recipe I can’t recommend enough—give it a try and let the flavors speak for themselves!
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Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Feta Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, tangy feta cheese, and crisp vegetables in a creamy yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, prepare the dressing: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the ingredients: Combine cooked chicken, feta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley in the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir to coat everything well.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold as a sandwich filling, on lettuce wraps, or over mixed greens.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can include chopped kalamata olives or toasted pine nuts.
- This salad is versatile and can be used as a pita filling or for meal prep throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
