Chickpea Chicken Salad

Short Description

A bright, protein-packed salad of lean chicken breast, tender chickpeas, crisp cucumbers and tomatoes, all brought together with a zesty lemon-herb dressing. It is ready in minutes and keeps well for satisfying meals throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein and fibre – chicken and chickpeas deliver lasting fullness.

• No reheating required – perfect for packed lunches and picnics.

• Mediterranean flavour profile – dill, thyme, feta and olives add vivid savoury notes.

• Quick preparation – ten minutes when using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

• Canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained

• Mini cucumbers, sliced

• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• Red onion, thinly sliced

• Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

• Greek feta cheese, cubed

• Fresh dill and thyme (or parsley)

• Lemon-herb dressing: lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, dried oregano, cracked pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the components. Dice or shred the chicken, rinse and drain the chickpeas, slice the vegetables and cube the feta.

2. Make the dressing. Whisk lemon juice, Dijon mustard and honey; slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking. Season with sea salt, oregano and pepper.

3. Combine. In a large bowl, add chicken, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, olives and fresh herbs. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to coat.

4. Finish. Fold the feta in last to keep the cubes intact. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Serve. Present the salad chilled as a standalone meal, stuffed into pita bread, or spooned over leafy greens.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 main-dish servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian or Vegan: Omit the chicken and feta; substitute diced avocado or plant-based feta for creaminess.

• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes to the dressing.

• Alternative Protein: Replace chicken with canned tuna or grilled shrimp.

• Legume Swap: Exchange chickpeas for white beans or lentils to vary texture.

Storage / Reheating

• Meal-prep (undressed): Combine salad ingredients but keep dressing separate; store in airtight containers for up to four days.

• Dressed leftovers: Refrigerate in a sealed container and consume within two days for best texture.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as fresh vegetables lose their crunch when thawed.

• Reheating: None required—serve directly from the refrigerator, or allow ten minutes at room temperature to take off the chill.

FAQs

How can I use canned chicken?

Drain it thoroughly, flake the meat and stir it in as you would freshly cooked chicken.

How do I prevent the feta from crumbling?

Add the feta last and use large cubes so it stays intact during mixing.

What can I substitute for olives?

Capers or strips of roasted red pepper give a similar briny accent.

Is the salad gluten-free?

Yes. All listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free; check condiments to confirm they contain no gluten additives.

Can I omit honey in the dressing?

Replace honey with maple syrup or a pinch of sugar to temper the lemon’s acidity.

Will rotisserie chicken work?

Certainly—remove the skin, dice the meat and proceed with the recipe.

How long does cooked chicken stay safe in the salad?

Refrigerated at or below 4 °C (40 °F), consume within three to four days.

May I include leafy greens?

Yes. Serve the salad over baby spinach or rocket; lightly dress the leaves first so they remain lively.

What is the best way to portion for meal-prep?

Layer the dressed salad into individual containers, or assemble in jars with dressing at the bottom and feta on top.

How can I reduce sodium content?

Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly, choose reduced-salt feta, and limit additional salt in the dressing.

Conclusion

This Chickpea Chicken Salad offers a quick, nourishing route to Mediterranean-inspired flavour, supplying ample protein and fibre without time at the stove. Prepare it once and enjoy wholesome, refreshing meals for days.