There’s something undeniably comforting about a fresh, vibrant salad that combines all the best flavors in one bowl. The Greek Chicken Salad with Avocado and Feta captures that feeling perfectly. This simple yet satisfying dish is a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner, and it brings the delightful tastes of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Whether you are feeding a family or just looking for a quick meal for yourself, this salad fits the bill beautifully.
At the heart of this recipe are key ingredients that come together to create a delicious medley. The 2 chicken breasts form the protein base, seasoned and diced for convenient bites. Fresh avocado adds a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the crisp cherry tomatoes and refreshing cucumber. The thinly sliced red onion provides a subtle bite, while the crumbled feta cheese lends tanginess. A handful of Kalamata olives adds a briny flavor that truly enhances the dish. All of this is brought together with a simple dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano, seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper.
Creating this salad is straightforward and quick. Start by combining the cooked chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and olives in a large bowl. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Drizzle this dressing over the salad, toss gently, and you’re all set. You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the fridge for a bit—either way, it will be refreshing and delicious.
This Greek Chicken Salad is versatile, making it ideal for various occasions. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even quick weekday dinners. On a warm day, it can be a light meal that doesn’t require cooking. Whip it up for a family gathering or simply enjoy it on a quiet night at home. No matter where you are, this salad serves as a healthy and delightful meal option.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Salad with Avocado and Feta
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal cooking involved, this salad can be on your table in just 20 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Using everyday produce and pantry staples, this recipe is budget-friendly and accessible.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of ingredients brings fresh and varied flavors that are both satisfying and enjoyable.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables, it’s a nourishing meal option.
- Great for Meal Prep: This salad can be made ahead, making it a convenient choice for busy days.
Chicken Tips
When it comes to the chicken in your Greek Chicken Salad, the quality matters. For the best flavor and texture, use skinless, boneless chicken breasts. You can roast, grill, or poach your chicken for this salad. If you opt for grilling, a bit of marinade with lemon juice and garlic enhances its flavor profile. Always ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. For a tender bite, let the chicken rest a few minutes before dicing.
Options for Substitutions
- Quinoa or Chickpeas: For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for cooked quinoa or canned chickpeas.
- Greek Yogurt: Substitute feta cheese with Greek yogurt for a creamy dressing alternative.
- Mixed Greens: Use a bed of mixed greens instead of cucumbers for a leafier base.
- Red Wine Vinegar Alternatives: Apple cider vinegar can replace red wine vinegar for a milder tang.
- Olive Substitutes: If Kalamata olives aren’t available, any pitted black olives can work just fine.
- Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh basil or parsley in place of dried oregano for a fresh taste.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
Creating the perfect Greek Chicken Salad does have its pitfalls. First, be careful not to overcook your chicken. Overcooked chicken can be dry and chewy, detracting from the whole salad experience. Second, avoid adding ingredients to the salad too early. If you mix the dressing in too soon, especially with avocado, it can cause the salad to brown and become less appealing. Finally, be mindful of the seasoning. Tasting and adjusting the seasoning is essential to elevate the flavors, so don’t rush through that step.
What to Serve With Greek Chicken Salad with Avocado and Feta?
Pair this salad with a warm pita bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You might also enjoy serving it with a bowl of hearty soup, such as lentil or minestrone, that complements the fresh salad flavors. For something even lighter, consider a small serving of hummus for dipping alongside carrot and celery sticks.
Storage Instructions
Store: The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the avocado fresh, consider adding it right before serving.
Freeze: Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well due to the avocados and vegetables, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheat: If you need to reheat the chicken (if leftover), use a stovetop pan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short 30-second intervals.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 45-55g
- Fat: 35-45g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. Stir gently to mix without mashing the ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. This dressing will bring out the vibrant flavors of the salad.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss the salad gently to ensure all of the ingredients are well-coated, being careful not to break up the avocado.
Step 4: Serve Immediately or Chill
You can serve the Greek Chicken Salad right away for a fresh taste, or chill it in the refrigerator for an hour to let the flavors meld together.
In summary, this Greek Chicken Salad with Avocado and Feta is not only simple and nutritious but also bursting with delightful flavors. I invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts. Feel free to explore similar dishes on the blog for even more culinary inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the avocado until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or radishes, for additional variety.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is great for meal prepping! Just store components separately, especially the dressing and avocado, to maintain freshness until serving.
Print
Greek Chicken Salad with Avocado and Feta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A fresh and vibrant salad with chicken, avocado, feta, and a delightful Mediterranean dressing, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. Stir gently to mix without mashing the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well-coated.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
For best flavor, avoid adding avocado until ready to serve. This salad is great for meal prep if components are stored separately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 80mg