If you are on the hunt for a refreshing, flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe is about to become your go-to. It combines tender shredded chicken with crunchy veggies and a creamy, tangy dressing dotted with salty feta and fragrant herbs. Every bite bursts with vibrant color and texture, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to your taste buds. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes, proving that delicious meals don’t always require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Feta Chicken Salad Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish rich in flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role: the chicken gives heartiness, the veggies provide crunch and freshness, and the blend of herbs and feta adds a delightful zing.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty base that makes this salad filling and protein-packed.
- ½ small red onion, diced: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch to contrast the creaminess.
- ½ red bell pepper, diced: Brings vibrant color and a subtle sweet flavor.
- 3 celery stalks, diced: Offers a refreshing crispness that keeps the salad light.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy element that binds everything together smoothly.
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles: Provides a salty, tangy punch with a creamy texture.
- 2 teaspoons dried dill: Infuses the salad with a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthiness and depth to the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A mild garlic flavor that complements without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right hint of spice.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
How to Make Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Start by placing your shredded cooked chicken in a large bowl. Next, add the diced red onion, red bell pepper, and celery. These fresh veggies provide a fantastic crunchy contrast to the tender chicken, setting the stage for a mouthwatering salad.
Step 2: Toss to Combine
Gently toss the chicken and vegetables together until they’re evenly mixed. This ensures each bite has a balance of protein and vibrant crunchiness.
Step 3: Mix Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, feta cheese crumbles, dried dill, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This dressing is where the magic happens — creamy, tangy, and bursting with herbs and savory feta flavor.
Step 4: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything together until every piece is evenly coated with the luscious dressing. This step brings the whole salad to life.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This resting time allows all the wonderful flavors to meld perfectly, making the salad even more delicious when served.
How to Serve Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra feta or a few fresh dill sprigs makes a beautiful finishing touch, adding a pop of color and hinting at the flavors inside. You can also add a few crushed black peppercorns on top for a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
Serve this feta chicken salad with warm crusty bread, pita chips, or a bed of mixed greens for a complete and satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with light, crisp wines or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing the salad into pita pockets for an easy grab-and-go lunch, or pile it atop whole-grain crackers for elegant appetizers. You can even serve it as a filling for lettuce wraps, adding an extra refreshing crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover feta chicken salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen with time, making it even more delightful the next day.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, this salad doesn’t freeze well. Freezing can alter the texture of the ingredients, especially the feta and celery, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off and bring out the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time when making this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the feta with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a mayo that fits your dietary needs to make this salad dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Definitely! Chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even avocado would complement the salad beautifully and add extra freshness.
How long should I let the salad chill?
At least one hour is ideal for the flavors to meld, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps improve the taste significantly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s an excellent option for meal prepping lunches. Just keep the salad refrigerated and stir gently before serving to refresh the texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a salad that’s truly special yet incredibly easy to make, this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe has you covered. It’s packed with fresh flavors, creamy richness, and satisfying textures that come together in perfect harmony. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes one of your favorite dishes to share with friends and family.
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Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Feta Chicken Salad is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a hearty snack. Combining tender shredded chicken with crunchy vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing made with feta cheese and herbs, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes and great for meal prepping or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 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 step helps layer the basic components of the salad to ensure an even mix of flavors.
- Toss to combine: Mix all the chicken and vegetables together gently but thoroughly so that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the bowl.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, feta cheese crumbles, dried dill, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and cohesive, creating a flavorful dressing.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Spoon the prepared mayonnaise and feta dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. This coats every bite with the creamy and tangy flavor profile.
- Mix until evenly coated: Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix the salad so the dressing covers all components evenly, ensuring consistency in every serving.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the salad before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
- This salad can be served on its own, over a bed of greens, or stuffed into a pita or wrap.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
