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Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe

This Mediterranean chicken salad blends tender chicken, creamy Greek yogurt, briny olives, and fresh veggies for a light, flavorful dish. Perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or enjoying as a refreshing, healthy meal anytime!

Fresh Chicken Salad

Mediterranean chicken salad isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. With tender chicken bathed in creamy Greek yogurt and a medley of fresh, vibrant flavors, it’s the perfect balance of hearty, refreshing, and wholesome. Think juicy chicken, briny olives, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers all tied together with the tang of lemon and a hint of Dijon mustard. This is more than a salad—it’s a celebration of the Mediterranean in every bite.

You’re about to unlock a recipe that brings a gourmet touch to your everyday meals. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, hosting a quick lunch, or simply craving something light yet satisfying, this Mediterranean chicken salad is your go-to. And trust me, it’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

What Is Mediterranean Chicken Salad?

Mediterranean chicken salad is a twist on the classic chicken salad, infused with the bold and fresh flavors of the Mediterranean. It swaps heavy mayonnaise for creamy Greek yogurt, incorporates olive oil for a touch of richness, and blends in classic ingredients like Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs.

Unlike your average chicken salad, this one offers layers of flavor. The saltiness of the olives and sun-dried tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the cooling crunch of cucumbers and the zing of lemon. It’s light, healthy, and full of satisfying textures and tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s healthy without compromising flavor. With Greek yogurt as the base, it’s creamy yet protein-packed, making it a nutritious choice.
  • Easy to make. This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
  • Versatile. Enjoy it on its own, with a side of warm pita bread, or stuffed in a sandwich for a portable lunch option.
  • Meal-prep friendly. Make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days without losing its freshness.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Salad

1. Chicken

Cooked chicken forms the foundation of this salad. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover grilled chicken for a smoky edge. The key is ensuring the chicken is tender and flavorful. If you’re cooking it from scratch, season it with a little salt, pepper, and oregano for added depth.

2. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is the creamy base that replaces mayonnaise. Its tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the Mediterranean ingredients, and it’s rich in protein, making the dish healthier. Choose full-fat yogurt for the best texture.

3. Olive Oil

A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and enhances the overall flavor. It’s a Mediterranean staple that ties everything together.

4. Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish, adding a zesty freshness. It also cuts through the richness of the yogurt and oil.

5. Dijon Mustard

Just a teaspoon of Dijon mustard gives the salad a subtle tang and depth of flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that makes the dressing irresistible.

6. Kalamata Olives

These dark, briny olives bring a pop of saltiness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. Slice them thinly for even distribution.

7. Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chewy and slightly sweet, sun-dried tomatoes add an unexpected twist. They’re the perfect complement to the brininess of the olives.

8. Cucumber

Diced cucumber provides crunch and freshness. It keeps the salad light and balanced.

9. Red Onion

A small amount of finely chopped red onion adds sharpness and a burst of color. Soaking it in cold water beforehand can mellow its flavor if you prefer.

10. Fresh Parsley

Chopped parsley brings an herbaceous note and a vibrant green color. It’s optional but highly recommended.

11. Seasonings

A sprinkle of oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad

1. Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. This creamy, tangy dressing is the heart of the dish, so don’t rush it. Adjust the seasoning to your taste—add more lemon juice for zing or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

2. Combine the Ingredients

Add the shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, cucumber, red onion, and parsley to the bowl. Toss everything gently until the chicken is well coated with the dressing and the ingredients are evenly mixed.

3. Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it cold as a main dish or a side.

Tips for Success

  • Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, ripe produce and good olive oil make a huge difference.
  • Customize to your liking. Add chopped artichoke hearts, crumbled feta, or roasted red peppers for extra flair.
  • Serve creatively. Enjoy it over a bed of greens, stuffed in a pita, or alongside Captain D's slaw recipe for a light summer lunch.

Flavor Pairings and Serving Ideas

This Mediterranean chicken salad pairs wonderfully with Tippins Cornbread for a contrast of textures or as a filling for the Big Benny Bao Bun for a fusion twist. Want a heartier meal? Serve it alongside Air Fryer Crunchy Bream Potatoes.


Delicious Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe

A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad made with shredded chicken, tangy Greek yogurt, and fresh ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cucumbers. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  2. Add the shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, cucumber, red onion, and parsley to the bowl.
  3. Toss everything until well combined, ensuring the chicken is coated evenly with the dressing.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  5. Serve on a bed of greens, in a pita, or as a sandwich filling for a delicious meal.

prep time with .

Serves 6 and contains approximately 280 calories per serving.

Mediterranean / Salad, Healthy

Rated 4.9 by 176 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: Mediterranean chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, Greek yogurt chicken salad, low-carb chicken salad

This Mediterranean chicken salad is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder that healthy eating can be vibrant, satisfying, and full of flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for weekday lunches, family dinners, and everything in between.

For more exciting recipes, check out Lamb Ragu D'Rose Mary or this simple Easy Jhol-Like Sauce Recipe for a cozy addition to your menu.

Ready to dive into Mediterranean flavors? Try this recipe today and let me know what you think!