A Refreshing Greek Island Salad with Chicken and Avocado: A Perfect Buffet Delight

If you’re searching for a salad that blends freshness, flavor, and nutrition, look no further than the Greek Island Salad with Chicken and Avocado. This vibrant dish is perfect for any casual gathering, offering a rich mix of textures and tastes that will satisfy any palate. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a healthy meal, this salad is sure to impress.

This Greek-inspired salad brings together the creamy richness of ripe avocados, the savory crunch of chicken, and the zesty tang of feta cheese, all tied together with a simple yet flavorful dressing. It’s the ideal combination of hearty and refreshing, making it a great choice for a buffet or a light lunch.

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How to Make Greek Island Salad with Chicken and Avocado

Creating this delicious salad is a breeze, and you’ll be able to serve up a crowd-pleaser in no time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the ChickenStart by pulling the meat from a roasted chicken and shredding it roughly. The chicken should be at room temperature for easy handling. This will add a savory, protein-packed base to your salad.

2. Prepare the Lettuce and Veggies

   Take two hearts of Romaine lettuce, trim off the base, wash, and dry the leaves. Afterward, shred the lettuce roughly. This provides the fresh crunch and is a fantastic foundation for your salad.

   Cut four tomatoes into wedges for a juicy burst of flavor. Then, finely slice three spring onions, using both the white and green parts for added flavor and color. These ingredients will add a refreshing bite to your salad.

3. Prepare the Avocados
   For the avocados, slice them in half lengthwise and remove the stones. Carefully peel the skin off, then cut the flesh into slices. To prevent browning, squeeze lemon juice over the avocados right away, adding a zesty kick and keeping the color vibrant.
4. Crumble the Feta Cheese
   Crumble around 200 grams of feta cheese with your fingers. The creamy, tangy feta brings an unmistakable richness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Toss the crumbled feta with dried oregano and mint for an added layer of Mediterranean flavor.
5. Assemble the Salad
   Now it’s time to put everything together. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and spring onions. Then, gently fold the avocado slices into the mixture, making sure they stay intact. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Prepare the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. This simple dressing is all you need to bring the salad’s ingredients together harmoniously.

7. Add Finishing Touches
   Pour three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently. Scatter the feta, Kalamata olives, and parsley leaves on top for a burst of flavor and color. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top and finish off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

8. Serve and Enjoy
   
   To make the salad even more substantial, serve it with warm pitta bread on the side. This Greek Island Salad with Chicken and Avocado is perfect as a light, yet filling meal or as part of a buffet spread.

Nutrition Breakdown

A serving of this Greek Island Salad is packed with nutrients and offers a great balance of protein, fats, and fiber. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 521
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2.05g

This salad offers a hearty meal with plenty of healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil, along with lean protein from the chicken.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Salad

Creating this salad requires only a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at any local grocery store. Here’s the complete list of ingredients:

• 1.8kg of roasted chicken (room temperature)
• 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 3 spring onions
• 2 ripe avocados
• 3 tbsp lemon juice (plus extra for squeezing)
• 200g packet of feta cheese
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried mint
• Half a bunch of flat-leaf parsley
• 5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp black Kalamata olives
• Pitta bread (optional, for serving)

Why This Salad is Perfect for Buffets

The Greek Island Salad with Chicken and Avocado is not only delicious, but it’s also highly adaptable to various tastes. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it visually appealing, and it can be served as a standalone dish or as part of a larger buffet. Whether you’re catering to a large crowd or making a dish for a small gathering, this salad is sure to be a hit.

Another reason this salad is ideal for buffets is that it’s easy to make ahead of time. Prepare the ingredients and toss everything together just before serving. This makes it a stress-free option for parties, picnics, and casual gatherings. The dressing can be made in advance and stored separately, keeping the salad fresh and crisp when you’re ready to serve.

Variations and Customization Tips

While the Greek Island Salad with Chicken and Avocado is delicious as it is, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your preferences:

1. Add Grilled Vegetables: Consider adding grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for extra flavor and a smokier taste.
2. Swap the Chicken for Lamb: If you prefer lamb, grilled lamb pieces can be a great substitute, providing a richer, more robust flavor.
3. Include More Greens: Add other leafy greens like spinach or arugula for an added layer of texture and flavor.
4. Make it Vegetarian: To make the salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with extra feta or a protein-rich ingredient like chickpeas.
5. Try a Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or mozzarella for a different twist.

Conclusion

This Greek Island Salad with Chicken and Avocado is the perfect combination of fresh, healthy ingredients that come together in a flavorful, satisfying way. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or serving it at your next gathering, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its bright, vibrant ingredients and simple yet delicious dressing, it’s a recipe worth adding to your collection. So why not give it a try today and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table?