If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant and delicious salad that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It perfectly balances creamy feta cheese with tender shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a blend of herbs that bring a Mediterranean flair to your table. Whether you’re packing a lunch, prepping a light dinner, or craving something fresh and satisfying, this salad delivers flavor and texture that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting a dish that’s bursting with flavor and varied textures. From the juicy chicken to the punchy herbs and creamy feta, these simple staples come together beautifully.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken for convenience and juiciness.
- ½ small red onion, diced: Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch to brighten the salad.
- ½ red bell pepper, diced: Brings sweetness and a vivid splash of color.
- 3 celery stalks, diced: Offers crispness and a refreshing bite.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, luscious dressing that binds everything together.
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles: Infuses the salad with a tangy saltiness and creamy texture.
- 2 teaspoons dried dill: Adds herbaceous notes that elevate the Mediterranean vibe.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Delivers an earthy, aromatic depth to the dressing.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle hint of heat and complexity.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the fresh ingredients and balances the flavors.
How to Make Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Start by placing the shredded cooked chicken into a large bowl. Add the diced red onion, red bell pepper, and celery. These crisp veggies bring fresh texture and a lively contrast to the tender chicken, making every bite exciting.
Step 2: Toss to Combine
Give the chicken and vegetables a good toss to ensure they are evenly mixed. This helps distribute the flavors and sets a solid base for the creamy dressing you’ll add next.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, feta cheese crumbles, dried dill, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Take your time to mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy, as this will coat the salad beautifully and pack in layers of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently but thoroughly mix everything so each ingredient is evenly coated with the vibrant dressing. This step is key to melding all those wonderful flavors and textures together.
Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover the bowl and place your salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chill time is essential to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, delivering a refreshing, harmonious taste every time you dig in.
How to Serve Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra feta crumbles on top can add a nice visual touch and boost the salad’s fresh, tangy flavor. A pinch of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the final presentation.
Side Dishes
This Feta Chicken Salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pita chips, or a side of quinoa for more substance. For a balanced meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad stuffed inside pita pockets or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing handheld option. It also makes a fantastic filling for sandwiches or atop a bed of mixed greens for a more traditional salad presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Feta Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy meals throughout the week.
Freezing
Because of its creamy mayo base and fresh veggies, this salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Freezing may compromise the texture and flavor of the ingredients.
Reheating
This salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow refrigerated salad to sit out for a few minutes if you prefer it less chilled before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta adds a unique tangy creaminess, goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella can work, though they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.
What if I don’t have mayonnaise on hand?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing. It pairs beautifully and keeps the salad creamy.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Feta Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge, and it will stay fresh and delicious for a few days.
Can I add nuts or seeds for extra crunch?
Definitely, toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts make a fantastic addition, adding not only crunch but also a nutty richness.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Try adding cooked grains like quinoa or couscous, or toss in some chickpeas to boost protein and fiber, turning it into a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe enough if you love quick, flavorful meals that never feel boring. It’s a wonderful way to elevate simple ingredients into something fresh, vibrant, and absolutely satisfying. The next time you want a dish that’s easy to throw together but feels special, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite salad!
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Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (including chilling time, excluding chilling if preferred)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Feta Chicken Salad is a quick and flavorful dish combining shredded cooked chicken with crisp vegetables and a creamy, tangy feta dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, it blends Mediterranean flavors with wholesome ingredients and is ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ small red onion, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and diced celery. This forms the base of your salad with fresh and crunchy ingredients.
- Toss to Combine: Mix the chicken and vegetables together gently to evenly distribute them without mashing the ingredients.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, feta cheese crumbles, dried dill, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and all the seasonings are incorporated.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Spoon the prepared mayonnaise and feta dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to fold the dressing through until all components are evenly coated with the creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for at least one hour. This step allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste and texture of the salad before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your preferred creaminess level.
- Add lemon juice or a splash of vinegar if you prefer a tangier dressing.
- Serve with leafy greens or on a sandwich for variety.
- This salad keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
