Mediterranean Chicken Lentil Salad Recipe
This vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Lentil Salad combines tender shredded chicken, protein-rich lentils, and fresh herbs with a zesty lemon mustard dressing. Easy to prepare and full of bold flavors, it’s perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner, served with warm pita bread or enjoyed on its own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie, poached, or roasted)
- 1 can lentils (15 oz / 400 g can – rinsed, or 1½ cups cooked lentils, approx. 230 g)
- 2 medium vine tomatoes (finely diced, seeds removed if watery)
- 2 packed cups flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ cup mint (optional, finely chopped) or substitute with dill
- 3 green onions (finely chopped)
Dressing
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Add the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, rinsed and well-drained lentils, 2 finely diced vine tomatoes, 2 packed cups of chopped parsley, ½ cup chopped mint (or dill), and 3 chopped green onions. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the dressing evenly coats the chicken, lentils, and herbs, bringing the flavors together.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample a small amount of the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed by adding more salt, black pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors according to your preference.
- Optional Final Touch: If desired, gently fold in some crumbled feta cheese at this stage to add a creamy texture and tangy flavor without breaking it apart too much.
- Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately with warm pita bread or cover and refrigerate for later use. It keeps well for a few days and makes for an easy, flavorful lunch option.
Notes
- Rinsing canned lentils thoroughly helps remove excess sodium and can improve texture.
- Removing tomato seeds prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- The mint is optional and can be substituted with fresh dill for a different herbal note.
- Adding crumbled feta cheese is optional but recommended for extra creaminess.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken with chickpeas and omit honey or replace with maple syrup.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken salad, lentil salad, healthy lunch, no-cook salad, lemon mustard dressing, protein-rich salad
