Zesty Chopped Chicken Salad with Feta Lemon Vinaigrette
Recipe Introduction: Your New Lunchtime Hero!
Fancy a proper lunch that's both quick and tasty? This Chopped chicken salad recipe is just the ticket. Seriously, it's the bee's knees for a light yet satisfying meal.
Quick Hook: Sunshine in a Bowl
Are you craving something fresh and vibrant? This Chopped chicken salad recipe , inspired by Mediterranean flavours, brings sunshine straight to your bowl. It's zesty and packed with deliciousness.
Brief Overview: From Greece With Love
This Mediterranean chicken salad is super easy to make, perfect for busy bees. It's ready in about 15 minutes. The recipe yields 4 servings, making it great for a family lunch.
Main Benefits: Healthy & Happy
This salad is not only delicious but also a fantastic healthy chicken salad lunch . It's packed with protein and fresh veggies, giving you a boost of energy.
Plus, the feta and lemon vinaigrette salad dressing is a total game changer. Honestly, what makes this recipe special is its simplicity and flavour.
It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser, even the kids will love it!
Okay, right then! Let's get this salad prepped and ready for consumption.
Time to move onto the ingredients!
Right then! Let's get this Chopped chicken salad recipe prepped. It’s perfect for a light lunch. Honestly, this one is so easy.
Even I can't mess it up, and you know how I am in the kitchen!
Ingredients & Equipment
This Zesty Chopped Chicken Salad with Feta & Lemon Vinaigrette is easy to prep. Minimal cooking is needed. We're mostly chopping and mixing. The Mediterranean vibe is strong with this one.
Main Ingredients for a Greek chicken salad
- Romaine lettuce, 1 large head , chopped (about 300g )
- Cooked chicken, 1 lb ( 450g ), diced
- Feta cheese, ½ cup ( 115g ), crumbled
- Green onions, 4-5 , thinly sliced
- Fresh dill, ½ bunch , chopped (about ¼ cup )
- Pita chips, crushed, for serving (optional)
For the chicken, quality matters. You can use leftover roast chicken or even rotisserie chicken from the supermarket. Anything will work as long as it's not that frozen chicken you would find at the discount store! Just make sure it's cooked through and tasty.
As for the feta, look for the greek imported one. It is a lot better
Mediterranean chicken salad Seasoning Notes
- Olive oil, ¼ cup ( 60ml )
- Lemon juice, ⅛ cup ( 30ml )
- Honey, ½ tbsp (about 7.5ml )
- Salt, ¼ tsp ( 1.5g )
- Black pepper, ¼ tsp ( 0.5g )
- Red pepper flakes, ¼ tsp ( 0.5g ) (optional)
For the vinaigrette, the lemon juice is key. You can substitute with lime juice. A quick pinch of oregano is also a great add.
Honestly, that little bit of red pepper flakes gives it that extra punch. These flavor enhancers and aromatics are great to turn this healthy chicken salad lunch into a masterpiece.
Essential Equipment
- Large bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small jar/measuring cup
- Whisk
Don't sweat it if you don't have a whisk. A fork works just fine for the vinaigrette. A quick Chopped chicken salad is a salad made at home.
So, there you have it. Your shopping list is ready. This chicken salad with pita chips is almost complete. Let's get cooking! You got this!
Zesty Chopped Chicken Salad: Let's Do This!
Okay, right then! Let's get this chopped chicken salad recipe prepped. I'm proper buzzing about this one. It's quick, easy, and tastes like a Mediterranean holiday.
Think sunshine, feta, and zingy lemon what's not to love? This vibrant salad is perfect for a healthy chicken salad lunch , or a light dinner.
You can’t go wrong!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Matters
- Essential chopping: Get your romaine lettuce chopped (about 300g ). Dice your cooked chicken into bite sized pieces ( 450g ). Thinly slice those green onions. Finally, chop the fresh dill.
- Vinaigrette station: Have all your vinaigrette ingredients ready to go. This means olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and spices.
- Safety first: Always use a clean cutting board and sharp knife. Keep raw chicken separate from your veggies. Don't want any nasties!
How to Make Your Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe: step-by-step
Honestly, this is so simple, it practically makes itself. But let's run through it:
- Make the vinaigrette: Combine the olive oil ( 60ml ), lemon juice ( 30ml ), honey ( 7.5ml ), salt ( 1.5g ), pepper ( 0.5g ), and red pepper flakes ( 0.5g ) in a jar. Shake it like you mean it!
- Salad base: In a big bowl, toss the chopped romaine, diced chicken, crumbled feta ( 115g ), sliced green onions, and chopped dill.
- Dress it up: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Start with a bit, then add more.
- Toss it real good: Gently mix until everything is coated.
- Serve: Garnish with crushed pita chips (optional). Eat immediately.
Pro Tips for a Killer Chopped Chicken Salad
- Don't drown the salad: Add the dressing bit by bit. Soggy salad is nobody's friend.
- Quality feta makes a difference: Splurge a bit on good feta. Trust me, you'll taste it.
- make-ahead (sort of): Chop the veggies and cook the chicken earlier in the day. But don't dress the salad until you're ready to serve. It'll stay fresher that way.
And that's it! A ridiculously easy and delicious chicken salad recipe . Time to tuck in. This easy chicken salad recipe is so refreshing!
Recipe Notes: Ace Your Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe
Okay, right then! Let's talk nitty gritty about this Chopped Chicken Salad recipe . These tips will elevate your salad from "meh" to "amazing".
I've made this salad a lot , and trust me, these little things make a big difference. It will become your new favourite Easy chicken salad recipe
Plating & Presentation: Make it Instagrammable!
Presentation matters, even for a quick lunch. Pile your Greek chicken salad high in a bowl. Scatter the crushed pita chips over the top just before serving, to keep them crunchy.
A sprig of fresh dill adds a pop of colour. For a picnic, portion the salad into mason jars! So easy!
Complementary Sides: Toasted baguette slices are a great addition. They are perfect for scooping up every last bit of salad.
I also love serving this Chicken salad with pita chips with a glass of sparkling water with lemon. So refreshing on a warm day!
Storage Tips : Keeping it Fresh!
Honestly, Chopped Chicken Salad recipe is best eaten immediately. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container. It is important to separate the dressing.
It will last up to 2 days but the lettuce might get a little soggy. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the textures will suffer.
Nobody wants mushy lettuce!
Reheating Instructions: No need to reheat. Just give it a good stir and enjoy cold!
Variations : Making it Your Own!
This recipe is super adaptable. Here are a couple of easy tweaks:
Dietary Adaptations: Need a vegetarian option? Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi or chickpeas. Want it dairy-free? Just skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, add some diced cucumber or tomatoes. In the autumn, try adding some roasted butternut squash. This Mediterranean chicken salad can be customized
Nutrition Basics : Feel Good Food!
This Quick chopped chicken salad is packed with protein and healthy fats. It's a light and satisfying lunch option. Each serving has approximately 350 calories, 30g of protein, 20g of fat, and 15g of carbohydrates.
Health Benefits:
Chicken is a great source of lean protein. Romaine lettuce provides vitamins and fiber. Olive oil is a heart healthy fat.
Chicken and vegetable salad recipe is a good source of nutrients. The Feta and lemon vinaigrette salad is delicious
Right then, there you have it. Everything you need to know to nail this Chopped chicken salad recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment. Honestly...have fun! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Chopped Chicken Salad recipe ahead of time? I'm always rushed off my feet!
You can definitely get a head start! Chop the veggies, cook the chicken, and whisk together the vinaigrette beforehand. Store everything separately in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just toss it all together. This prevents the salad from getting soggy, which is a proper disaster!
I'm not a massive fan of feta. What else can I use in this Zesty Chopped Chicken Salad?
No worries, mate! Feta isn't everyone's cup of tea. Goat cheese offers a similar tanginess, or you could go for a sharp cheddar for a completely different flavour profile. A sprinkle of parmesan would also work nicely, though it's a bit milder.
How long will leftover chopped chicken salad last in the fridge? I always make too much!
Leftover chopped chicken salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad might lose a bit of its crispness and the dressing can make it a little soggy over time, so don't leave it languishing too long!
I'm trying to cut down on calories. Are there any healthier variations I can make to this chopped chicken salad recipe?
Absolutely! You can lighten it up by using a low-fat vinaigrette or reducing the amount of feta. Swapping out some of the chicken for extra veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes adds volume and nutrients without significantly increasing the calories.
Also, consider using grilled chicken breast instead of other cuts to further reduce fat.
Can I add nuts or seeds to my chopped chicken salad for added crunch?
Definitely, adding nuts or seeds is a brilliant idea for extra texture and healthy fats! Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds would all complement the flavours of the salad beautifully. Just toss them in right before serving to keep them nice and crunchy.
Think of it as adding your own personal touch to this Mediterranean inspired delight!
What kind of chicken works best for this chopped chicken salad recipe?
Cooked chicken breast is a lean and healthy option, or you can use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavourful shortcut. Shredded chicken thighs add a bit more moisture and richness. Whatever you choose, just make sure it's cooked through and diced into bite sized pieces for easy eating.
Zesty Chopped Chicken Salad With Feta Lemon Vina
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
