Are you craving a quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious meal that will tantalize your taste buds and save you precious time in the kitchen? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chicken and Veggie Chopped Salad! Packed with vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and a zesty lemon dressing, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal for those busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you want something spectacular without hours of preparation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into uniform small pieces.
- If chicken is not already cooked, prepare by grilling, baking, or using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Chop chicken into bite-sized cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and fresh chopped parsley.
- Create dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small separate bowl until well combined.
- Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Optional: Garnish with additional fresh parsley or add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor complexity.
Tips
- Prep Like a Pro: Ensure all your vegetables are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for a consistent texture and beautiful presentation.
- Chicken Selection: While the recipe works great with any cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken can be a time-saving hack that adds extra flavor.
- Dressing Secrets: Whisk your dressing thoroughly and taste before adding to ensure the perfect balance of olive oil and lemon juice.
- Temperature Matters: Serve the salad at room temperature or slightly chilled to maximize flavor and freshness.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add crumbled feta, swap vegetables, or include additional herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner prep.Pro tip: For the most vibrant and crisp salad, add the dressing just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
