Chicken & Chickpea Salad
A bright and crunchy salad that combines shredded chicken, creamy chickpeas, and fresh vegetables, dressed with zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for quick meals and adaptable to various serving styles.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 cups Shredded chicken Can use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- 1 can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed Canned or cooked; rinse and pat dry for firmer texture.
- 1 cup Cucumbers, diced English or Persian cucumbers are recommended.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes can be used.
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Lemon dressing Can use store-bought or homemade lemon vinaigrette.
To Serve
- 4 cups Greens (for serving) Any sturdy lettuce or mixed greens can work.
- 2 pieces Pita or bread (for serving) Toast for extra texture if desired.
- 1 cup Feta cheese (optional) For added creaminess.
- 1 piece Avocado (optional) Slice before serving to prevent browning.
- 1 cup Fresh herbs (optional) Chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil recommended.
Instructions
Preparation
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas and pat them dry. Dice the cucumbers and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place shredded chicken, chickpeas, cucumbers, and tomatoes into a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the lemon dressing over the combined ingredients. Start with a small amount and add more to taste so the salad doesn’t get soggy. Toss gently until everything is coated.
- Taste the salad for seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or more dressing if needed. If adding feta or avocado, wait to add them until after tossing.
Serving
- Serve the salad over a bed of greens, spoon it into pita pockets, or use it between slices of bread for a sandwich. Add optional feta cheese, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Final Touches
- If using fresh herbs, chop and sprinkle just before serving.
- Add a squeeze of lemon if you want extra acidity.
Notes
Best served chilled or at room temperature. For a crisp sandwich, place greens between bread and salad layer on top to prevent sogginess. Store any leftover components separately for best texture.