If you love vibrant, fresh flavors with a creamy twist, then you are going to adore this Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a wonderful fusion of tender cooked chicken, silky avocado, briny kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese, all brightened by lemon and fragrant oregano. This salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a colorful and nutritious meal that comes together in no time. Whether you need a quick lunch or a light dinner, this dish has got you covered with its perfect balance of healthy fats, protein, and fresh veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this salad are wonderfully simple yet each plays an essential role in creating its signature taste, texture, and refreshing character. Every element contributes color, crunch, creaminess, or savory depth, making every bite interesting and satisfying.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped for tender protein that’s the salad’s hearty base.
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced: Adds creamy richness and healthy fats to balance the bright flavors.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bring natural sweetness and juicy bursts of freshness.
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced: Provides crisp texture and a cooling contrast.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild sharpness and depth to the salad.
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced: Give lovely salty, briny notes intrinsic to Greek flavors.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Imparts tangy creaminess and authentic Mediterranean taste.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds herbaceous brightness and fresh green color.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brings zesty acidity to tie all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For richness and smooth texture in the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that elevates the salad’s profile.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance each ingredient.
How to Make Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing the cooked chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese into a large mixing bowl. Each ingredient brings a unique texture and flavor, and combining them now ensures every forkful includes a bit of everything.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well until the dressing emulsifies slightly, releasing all those bright citrus notes and fragrant herbs that make this salad truly Greek-inspired and delicious.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the bowl of combined ingredients and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocado; the goal is to keep those creamy chunks intact for richness and texture variation.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Once tossed, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top, adding both flavor and a pop of green color. Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed, making sure the balance is just right before serving.
How to Serve Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, add a few whole kalamata olives or an additional sprinkle of feta cheese on top just before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or a lemon wedge on the side can also amp up the vibrancy and presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad shines wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, crusty whole-grain baguette slices, or a bed of mixed greens for a heartier meal. Light roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus can also complement the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve this Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe inside hollowed-out tomatoes or crisp lettuce cups for a playful, bite-sized appetizer twist. You can also spoon it onto toasted crostini for a delightful party snack or wrap it in a pita for a fresh, low-carb Greek-inspired lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. To keep the avocado from browning too quickly, add a splash of lemon juice on top before sealing. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for optimum freshness.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because of the avocado and fresh ingredients which can lose their texture and flavor. For best results, prepare fresh servings when possible or store refrigerated only.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook dish, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to open up.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled, rotisserie, or even leftover baked chicken all work wonderfully. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
The key is to add lemon juice to the avocado and to store the salad in an airtight container. You can also add a bit more lemon juice just before serving for extra freshness.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in protein and healthy fats, making it a great option for low-carb lifestyles.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
To veganize, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and replace feta cheese with a vegan alternative. The salad will still be delicious and full of flavor.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
For the best taste and texture, consume the salad within 1 to 2 days. The avocado will start to soften and the freshness of the vegetables will diminish after that.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a joyful celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together seamlessly for flavor and ease. It’s a dish I find myself turning to whenever I want something fast, satisfying, and nourishing. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every creamy, tangy, savory bite as much as I do!
Print
Greek Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free,Low Carb
Description
This Greek Avocado Chicken Salad is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing seasoned with oregano, this salad offers a perfect balance of Mediterranean flavors. Ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner, it’s gluten-free and low-carb, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 large ripe avocado (diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives (sliced)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Dressing
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently stir them to mix the components evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well blended to create a bright and flavorful dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure the salad is well coated with the dressing without breaking up the avocado pieces.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, use grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken.
- This salad is delicious when wrapped inside pita bread or served on a bed of mixed greens for a hearty light meal.
- If preparing ahead of time, add extra lemon juice just before serving to help keep the avocado fresh and prevent browning.
