Mediterranean Chickpea Chicken Salad

This Mediterranean Chickpea Chicken Salad is a vibrant burst of flavor, bringing the sun-drenched tastes of the coast right to your kitchen. Combining juicy chicken with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the creamy richness of feta, it is a meal that satisfies without weighing you down.

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Perfect for a quick weekday lunch or a light dinner, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. The combination of briny Kalamata olives, savory chicken, and the herbal notes of parsley creates a complex profile that feels gourmet yet remains incredibly simple to assemble.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (about 250 g)
• 1 can (15 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1

In a large salad bowl, combine the chicken, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, feta cheese, and olives.

Step 2

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.

Step 3

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 20 minutes for a colder salad.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For ultimate convenience, substitute grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken. To allow the flavors to meld together perfectly, consider chilling the salad in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this salad by adding sliced avocado for extra creaminess or chopped bell peppers for added crunch. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add extra chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.

Serviervorschläge

This salad is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with warm pita bread. For a heartier meal, you can serve the entire mixture atop a bed of fresh mixed greens.

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Whether you are meal prepping for a busy week or serving a fresh side at your next gathering, this Mediterranean Chickpea Chicken Salad is a reliable and flavorful choice. It is a refreshing staple that celebrates healthy, vibrant ingredients in every bite.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the salad components separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing in a separate container and combine everything just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness of the vegetables.

→ What are good substitutions for the chicken?

Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for convenience, or use leftover roasted chicken. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add extra chickpeas or white beans for additional protein and substance.

→ How can I make this salad more filling?

Serve it over a bed of mixed greens or whole grains like quinoa. Add sliced avocado for creaminess, chopped bell peppers for crunch, or pair with warm pita bread on the side for a complete meal.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare the salad components in advance and store separately from the dressing. This keeps vegetables crisp and allows you to portion out servings throughout the week. Add dressing just before eating.

→ What dressing variations work well with this combination?

The Mediterranean dressing is optimal, but you can also try a balsamic vinaigrette or Greek yogurt-based dressing for extra creaminess. Adjust lemon juice and oregano to your taste preference.

→ Are there allergens I should be aware of?

This salad contains dairy from feta cheese and mustard in the dressing. Olives may be processed with other allergens depending on the brand. Always check individual ingredient labels if you have food sensitivities.