Feta Chicken Salad
This is a bright, flavorful, and protein-packed chicken salad with the tangy punch of feta cheese. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or served on a bed of greens.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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2 cups (about 10-12 oz) cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
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⅔ cup (about 3 oz) crumbled feta cheese
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⅓ cup finely diced red onion
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⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or dry), optional but recommended
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⅓ cup chopped Kalamata olives
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill (or a mix)
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2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Dressing:
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⅓ cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred) or mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
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1 small garlic clove, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)
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½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
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For Best Flavor: Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano. Pan-sear in olive oil until cooked through (165°F internal), then let rest before shredding or dicing. You can also use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience.
2. Make the Dressing
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In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients—Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, and Dijon—until smooth and emulsified. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled feta, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs.
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Pour the dressing over the mixture.
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Gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix and break down the feta too much.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Feta is salty, so you may not need extra salt.
4. Chill & Serve
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For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
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As a Sandwich: Serve on a croissant, crusty baguette, or thick sourdough with lettuce and tomato.
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In a Wrap: Spread on a large tortilla or lavash with spinach or arugula.
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Low-Carb Style: Serve in butter lettuce cups, bell pepper halves, or on a bed of mixed greens.
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As a Dip: Serve with pita chips, cucumber slices, or crackers.
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Add-Ins: Try adding chopped cucumber, avocado (add just before serving), artichoke hearts, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Storage
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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The flavors often improve on the second day.
Enjoy this fresh, tangy, and satisfying twist on classic chicken salad!