Description
This Quick Lemon Chicken Salad is fresh, bright, and full of Mediterranean flavor. Tender shredded chicken blends with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fragrant herbs, all tossed in a zesty homemade lemon and olive oil dressing. It’s the perfect healthy lunch or light dinner, ready in just 15 minutes. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and a refreshing taste of sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large cooked chicken breasts (about 500g), shredded or chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, or spinach)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl and pour half of the dressing over it. Toss gently to coat and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavor.
- Add cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and dill to the bowl with the chicken.
- Toss everything gently until evenly combined.
- Arrange the mixed greens in a serving bowl or platter.
- Spoon the lemon chicken mixture over the greens.
- Drizzle the remaining dressing on top, toss lightly if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version. Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to soften its sharpness. Add crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado for extra richness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep greens separate if making ahead to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg