Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
If you are searching for a delicious and refreshing meal that comes together in no time, this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Packed with tender shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, each bite bursts with flavor and texture that make lunchtime exciting. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual lunch, this salad balances creamy, savory, and herbaceous notes for an irresistible taste experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can create such a vibrant and satisfying dish. Each component plays an essential part—tender chicken provides the hearty base, crunchy vegetables add fresh texture, and the combination of feta and herbs delivers a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie or poached chicken for tender, protein-packed bites.
- ½ small red onion, diced: Adds a sharp, colorful crunch that wakes up the palate.
- ½ red bell pepper, diced: Brings sweetness and a pop of bright red color.
- 3 celery stalks, diced: Offers crispness and a subtle earthy flavor to balance the salad.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base that ties all the ingredients together.
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles: Imparts a tangy, salty punch that defines the salad’s unique character.
- 2 teaspoons dried dill: Adds fragrant, herbal notes reminiscent of fresh garden flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings warmth and an aromatic depth to the dressing.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Lends subtle savory undertones without overpowering the salad.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Infuses gentle heat and complexity with every bite.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the feta’s saltiness perfectly.
How to Make Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Start by placing the shredded cooked chicken into a large mixing bowl. Then add the diced red onion, red bell pepper, and celery. Toss these ingredients gently to mix the crunchy vegetables evenly throughout the tender chicken. This step sets the foundation of fresh, textural contrast you’ll love in every forkful.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, feta cheese crumbles, dried dill, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. This zesty feta-infused dressing is what gives this salad its signature tang and herbaceous warmth. Don’t rush—make sure the ingredients are thoroughly blended for even flavor distribution.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to fold everything together gently but thoroughly. Your goal is to coat every piece of chicken and vegetable with the delightful dressing so each bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to mingle and intensify. When you serve the salad, it will taste even better because the herbs and feta have had time to infuse every ingredient with their bold personality.
How to Serve Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and taste-wise, sprinkle a few extra crumbles of feta cheese and a light dusting of fresh dill or chopped parsley on top just before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side add a bright citrus note perfect for guests to squeeze over if they want an extra zing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, warm pita bread, or even a bowl of hearty soup for a balanced meal. It works as a refreshing contrast to roasted vegetables or grilled corn, making it perfect for summer lunches or light dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique serving twist, stuff the salad into halved avocados or scoop it into lettuce wraps for a handheld treat. It’s also fantastic piled high on toasted baguette slices as open-faced sandwiches. These presentation ideas add excitement and versatility to the classic Feta Chicken Salad Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only deepen with time, but it’s best eaten sooner to enjoy the crisp freshness of the vegetables and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture and taste of the ingredients, especially the celery and feta, may become compromised after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t advisable. If you want a warm meal using the leftovers, consider using the shredded chicken separately in a hot dish instead.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this Feta Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh dill and oregano add a vibrant, brighter note. Substitute about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried since their flavors are milder when raw.
Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and use a dairy-free mayonnaise. The texture and tang might differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What type of chicken is best for this salad?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option, but poached or grilled chicken breast works just as well. Just ensure it’s cooked and shredded before combining.
Can I add other vegetables or nuts to the salad?
Definitely! Chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or toasted walnuts add great texture and flavor layers. Just keep the additions balanced so the feta and herbs can still shine through.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling for at least 1 hour is recommended to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes still works, but the taste becomes more harmonious with extra chilling.
Final Thoughts
This Feta Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both fresh and comforting, simple, yet full of personality. It’s a versatile, quick-to-prepare meal that thrills with every forkful. I’m sure once you try it, it will find its way into your regular recipe collection too—perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something truly tasty.
Print
Feta Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This refreshing Feta Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with crunchy vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a quick lunch, light dinner, or flavorful sandwich filling, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ small red onion, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
Dressing Ingredients
- 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. Mix these ingredients gently to spread them evenly.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, feta cheese crumbles, dried dill, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly until all components are coated evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add chopped fresh parsley or basil for extra freshness if desired.
- Serve on a bed of greens or in a sandwich for versatile meal options.
- Chilling the salad improves flavor but it can be served immediately if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
