Simple Lemon Lentil Chicken Salad with Feta

A fresh salad can brighten up any meal, and our Lemon Lentil Chicken Salad with Feta is no exception. This dish combines tender chicken, hearty lentils, zesty lemon, and creamy feta to create a refreshing and nutritious option. Not only is it satisfying, but it also boasts impressive nutritional benefits, boasting around 25 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber per serving. Whether you're enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this salad is sure to delight.

This easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal cooking skills and allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or toppings. Let’s dive into this delicious dish!

Ingredients

To create this flavorful Lemon Lentil Chicken Salad with Feta, you will need:

• For the Salad:

- 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)

- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast

- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1/2 cucumber, diced

- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped

- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or your choice)

• For the Dressing:

- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

- Juice of 1 large lemon

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Ingredients

Before assembling the salad, ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready.

Cook the Lentils: Start with dry lentils. Cook them as per package instructions until they're tender but not mushy. Once done, drain and allow them to cool.

Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred method—grilling, boiling, or baking the chicken breast works well. After cooking, let it cool slightly and shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Chop the Vegetables: Rinse your vegetables thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the cucumber, and finely dice the red onion.

Taking the time to prepare your ingredients will expedite the assembly process.

Making the Dressing

A great dressing can elevate your salad's flavor.

1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using).

2. Whisk until the mixture is fully blended and creamy.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the lemon juice or honey for balance as per your preference.

   
   

Your zesty dressing is now perfect for enhancing the flavors of your salad.

Assembling the Salad

Now that everything is prepared and the dressing is ready, it’s time to put the salad together.

1. In a large bowl, add the cooked lentils, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

2. Gently toss the ingredients to combine.

3. Fold in the mixed greens and feta cheese, being cautious not to break the feta too much.

4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly until everything is well coated.

5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary.

   
   

Your colorful and vibrant salad is now ready to serve! Serves 4

Creative Serving Ideas

This Lemon Lentil Chicken Salad with Feta is versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:

• Serve it solo as a light lunch or dinner.

• Pair it with warm pita bread or a slice of crusty bread for a more filling meal.

• Try adding toppings like olives, avocado, or nuts for extra texture and flavor.

  
  

Feel free to experiment and include your favorite ingredients to make this salad truly yours.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, proper storage can help you enjoy this dish again later. Here are some tips:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

• Keep Dressing Separate: If possible, store the dressing separately until you're ready to eat. This practice helps maintain the freshness of the ingredients and keeps the greens from wilting.

  
  

By following these storage tips, you can savor your salad's deliciousness for another day.

Reasons to Enjoy This Salad

There are plenty of reasons to embrace this Lemon Lentil Chicken Salad with Feta:

• Nutritional Powerhouse: With lentils and chicken contributing to a significant protein intake, the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals.

• Filling and Satisfying: The combination of lentils and chicken ensures lasting hunger satisfaction, making it perfect as a standalone meal.

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

• Highly Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have available. You can make it your own without compromising on taste.

  
  

Taking the time to prepare and create this salad will surely pay off in flavor and nutrition.

A colorful bowl of lemon lentil chicken salad with feta showing vibrant ingredients.

Try It Today

The Lemon Lentil Chicken Salad with Feta is a delightful choice for anyone pursuing healthy and delicious meals. With its bright flavors and wholesome ingredients, it has become a favorite among health-conscious eaters and food lovers alike.

Whether you're having it for lunch, dinner, or prepping meals for the week, you'll appreciate its simplicity and deliciousness. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a bowl of refreshing, zesty goodness today! Each bite is filled with flavors of lemon, lentils, and feta that will tantalize your taste buds!