Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a vibrant, wholesome dish packed with shredded chicken, hearty beans, fresh vegetables, and tangy olives tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or dinner, it can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for up to three days, making it a convenient and flavorful choice with healthy Mediterranean ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Legumes
- 2 cooked chicken breasts (10 ounces), shredded
- 1 (14 ounces) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 ounces) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables & Greens
- 1 large English cucumber, diced
- 2 red bell peppers, diced
- 1 (14 ounces) can artichokes, drained and chopped
- 5 ounces mixed greens, roughly chopped
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup (8 ounces) kalamata olives, diced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, chickpeas, cannellini beans, diced cucumber, diced red bell peppers, diced kalamata olives, chopped artichokes, and roughly chopped mixed greens. Toss all ingredients together evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice briskly until well combined to create a bright, tangy dressing.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss or stir several times to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing and all flavors meld together.
- Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately for best freshness and taste, or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days to enjoy later.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breasts that are cooled and shredded for ease.
- Rinse canned beans and chickpeas well to reduce sodium content.
- For extra flavor, chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Can be served as a main dish salad or as a side.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within three days for freshness and safety.
