Go Back

Mediterranean Olive Oil Chicken Salad - Bright, Fresh, and Satisfying

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)
  • 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens (spinach or arugula also works)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, diced (Persian or English cucumber preferred)
  • 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional but excellent)
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (helps emulsify)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or salt. It should be bright, lemony, and well-seasoned.
  2. Prep the chicken: If you haven’t already, shred or chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with a pinch of salt and pepper to refresh the flavor.
  3. Chop the vegetables: Halve the tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and slice the red onion thin. Roughly chop parsley and mint.
  4. Build the salad base: Add greens to a large bowl. If using grains, scatter them over the greens.
  5. Add the mix-ins: Top with chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and herbs. Sprinkle with feta.
  6. Dress and toss: Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad. Gently toss until everything is lightly coated. Add more dressing as needed, keeping the texture fresh, not soggy.
  7. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon, salt, or pepper. Add any optional toppings like toasted pine nuts or avocado. Serve immediately, or chill for 10 minutes to let flavors mingle.