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A chicken salad is a versatile, high-protein dish that is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. This recipe is flexible—you can serve it on its own, with greens, or as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast – 300–350 grams, shredded or diced
- Mixed salad greens – 4 cups (lettuce, spinach, arugula, or a mix)
- Cucumber – 1 medium, sliced or diced
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Red onion – ¼ small, thinly sliced
- Bell pepper – 1 medium, diced
- Avocado – 1, diced
- Fresh herbs – 2 tablespoons (parsley, cilantro, or basil), chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons (or balsamic vinegar)
- Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Honey – 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Garlic – 1 clove, minced
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Optional Add-ins
- Boiled eggs – 2, quartered
- Nuts – 2 tablespoons (walnuts, almonds, or cashews)
- Seeds – 1 tablespoon (pumpkin, sunflower, or chia seeds)
- Feta or goat cheese – ¼ cup, crumbled
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
- Knife and chopping board
- Spoon or tongs for tossing
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic.
- Whisk or shake well until emulsified.
- Season with salt and black pepper and taste-adjust if necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add shredded or diced cooked chicken.
- Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and avocado.
- Gently toss in the fresh herbs.
Step 3: Combine with Dressing
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Add optional toppings such as boiled eggs, nuts, seeds, or cheese.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve immediately on a plate, in a bowl, or as a filling for wraps.
- Can be paired with whole-grain bread, crackers, or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
Tips and Variations
- Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken for faster preparation.
- Add fruits like apple slices, grapes, or pomegranate seeds for a sweet contrast.
- Swap olive oil and lemon juice for a yogurt-based dressing for creaminess.
- For a low-carb option, serve over leafy greens only, skipping grains or bread.
- Keeps well in the fridge for 1–2 days, but add avocado last to prevent browning.
Nutritional Highlights
- High in lean protein from chicken
- Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables
- Healthy fats from olive oil and avocado
- Flexible and balanced meal suitable for active or weight-conscious diets
