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herb chicken salad

Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Recipe

This Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is a fresh, colourful and protein-packed meal made with juicy grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, fragrant herbs and a zesty homemade lemon dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner or meal prep, this easy recipe is bursting with bright flavours, wholesome ingredients and satisfying crunch in every bite. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's a healthy family favourite that's as delicious as it is nutritious.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 People
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl Used for combining all the ingredients without crushing the vegetables.
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl Perfect for whisking together the lemon herb dressing.
  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife Ensures clean, even slices of vegetables and herbs.
  • 1 Chopping Board Provides a safe surface for preparing ingredients.
  • 2 Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons: Help maintain the correct balance of flavours.
  • 1 Citrus Juicer – Extracts fresh lemon juice efficiently.
  • 1 Balloon Whisk - Mixes the dressing until smooth and well combined
  • 1 Salad Tongs – Gently toss the Lemon Herb Chicken Salad without bruising the vegetables.
  • 1 Serving Bowl or Salad Platter - Presents the finished Lemon Herb Chicken Salad beautifully for family meals or entertaining.

Ingredients
  

  • 900 g cooked chicken breast - Cooked cooled and sliced or shredded.
  • 2 large romaine lettuce hearts - Washed dried and chopped into bite-sized pieces for freshness and crunch.
  • 150 g baby spinach - Adds nutrients vibrant colour and a tender texture.
  • 250 g cherry tomatoes - Halved to release their natural sweetness.
  • 1 cucumber - Thinly sliced for crispness and extra freshness.
  • 1 medium red onion - Thinly sliced to provide a gentle sharpness.
  • 1 ripe avocado - Diced just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.
  • 60 g fresh parsley - Finely chopped for a clean herbal flavour.
  • 30 g fresh dill - Adds delicate freshness that pairs beautifully with lemon.
  • 20 g fresh chives - Finely chopped to provide a mild onion flavour.
  • 80 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice - The star ingredient that gives Lemon Herb Chicken Salad its signature brightness.
  • 100 ml extra virgin olive oil - Creates a silky flavourful dressing.
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard - Helps emulsify the dressing while adding gentle depth.
  • 2 teaspoons honey - Balances the acidity of the lemon juice.
  • 2 garlic cloves - Finely minced for aromatic flavour.
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt - Enhances every ingredient.
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Adds gentle warmth.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Gives the dressing additional Mediterranean flavour.
  • ½ teaspoon crushed chilli flakes optional - Adds a subtle kick for those who enjoy spice.
  • 50 g crumbled feta cheese optional - Provides creamy, salty richness.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

  • If using freshly cooked chicken, allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes before assembling the salad.
  • Slice or shred 900 g cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
  • If using leftover roast or grilled chicken, remove any skin or bones before slicing.
  • Place the chicken into a large mixing bowl and season lightly with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Set aside while preparing the remaining ingredients for your Lemon Herb Chicken Salad.

Step 2: Wash And Prepare The Vegetables

  • Thoroughly wash the romaine lettuce, baby spinach, parsley, dill and chives under cold running water.
  • Dry all the leaves well using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel. Dry greens help the dressing cling better to the salad.
  • Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
  • Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons.
  • Halve the cherry tomatoes.
  • Thinly slice the red onion.
  • Dice the avocado just before assembling to keep it fresh and prevent browning.

Step 3: Chop The Fresh Herbs

  • Finely chop the parsley.
  • Finely chop the dill.
  • Slice the chives into small pieces.
  • Combining several fresh herbs gives Lemon Herb Chicken Salad its signature fresh, fragrant flavour.

Step 4: Prepare The Lemon Herb Dressing

    In a small mixing bowl, combine:

    • 80 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • 2 teaspoons honey
    • 2 minced garlic cloves
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • Optional chilli flakes
    • Whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the dressing becomes smooth, glossy and well emulsified.

    Taste the dressing and adjust if needed:

    • Add more lemon juice for extra tanginess.
    • Add a drizzle of honey for a slightly sweeter finish.
    • Add more black pepper if you prefer a little warmth.

    Step 5: Assemble The Lemon Herb Chicken Salad

    • Add the chopped lettuce to the large bowl with the chicken.
    • Add the baby spinach.
    • Add the cucumber slices.
    • Add the cherry tomatoes.
    • Add the sliced red onion.
    • Sprinkle over the chopped parsley, dill and chives.
    • Gently toss everything together using salad tongs until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

    Step 6: Add The Avocado

    • Fold the diced avocado gently into the salad.
    • Avoid stirring too vigorously, as ripe avocado can become mashed.
    • The avocado adds a creamy texture that balances the bright lemon dressing beautifully.

    Step 7: Dress The Salad

    • Pour approximately three-quarters of the dressing over the salad.
    • Toss gently until every ingredient is lightly coated.
    • Add more dressing only if required.
    • Properly coating every ingredient ensures every bite of Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is packed with flavour.

    Step 8: Finish And Garnish

    • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top if using.
    • Garnish with a few extra parsley leaves.
    • Add a few slices of fresh lemon around the serving platter.
    • Finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a final twist of black pepper.

    Notes

    • 🍋 Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible, as freshly squeezed lemons provide the brightest flavour for Lemon Herb Chicken Salad.
    • 🌿 Use fresh herbs such as parsley, dill and chives for the most vibrant taste and aroma.
    • 🍗 Grilled chicken breast is ideal, but roast, poached or rotisserie chicken can also be used for convenience.
    • 🥬 Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly before assembling the salad to prevent a watery dressing and keep the leaves crisp.
    • 🥑 Add the avocado just before serving to minimise browning and maintain its creamy texture.
    • 🥄 Dress the salad immediately before serving to preserve the freshness and crunch of the vegetables.
    • 🧀 Feta cheese is optional, but it adds a delicious creamy and salty contrast to the tangy lemon dressing.
    • 🌶️ Adjust the seasoning to taste. Add more lemon juice for extra zing, honey for a touch of sweetness or chilli flakes for gentle heat.
    • ❄️ For meal prep, store the dressing separately and combine it with the salad just before eating to keep everything fresh.
    • 🍽️ Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before mixing it with the salad to prevent the greens from wilting.
    • 🥗 This recipe is highly versatile. Feel free to add ingredients such as cucumber, olives, toasted nuts or boiled eggs to make it your own.
    • 💚 For the best flavour, let the dressing sit for 5–10 minutes before tossing it with the salad. This allows the herbs, garlic and lemon to blend beautifully.
    Keyword Lemon Herb Chicken Salad