Description
A fresh and zesty lemon garlic chicken salad made with tender chicken, bright citrus, and herbs. Light, creamy, and perfect for quick meals or wraps.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped into small pieces
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Place cooked chicken breast on a cutting board and chop into small, even bite-sized pieces. Keeping the pieces uniform helps the dressing coat evenly and improves the overall texture.
2. Finely chop celery and parsley, then mince the garlic into very small pieces. Smaller cuts help distribute flavor throughout the salad without overpowering any bite.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and fully blended with no lumps.
4. Add the chopped chicken, celery, and parsley into the bowl. Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together for about 1 minute until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Avoid overmixing to keep the chicken tender.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time allows the lemon and garlic flavors to fully blend into the chicken and slightly thickens the dressing.
6. Before serving, stir lightly to redistribute the dressing. If the salad feels slightly thick, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil or yogurt and mix gently until the texture becomes creamy again.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Chill the salad before serving to improve texture and taste.
Adjust lemon juice gradually to balance acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken salad, lemon chicken salad, garlic chicken salad