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As the days grow warmer and the sun shines brighter, there's nothing quite like a fresh, vibrant salad to uplift your meals. The Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy your palate and nourish your body. This salad is a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a light yet filling dish, ideal for lunch or dinner.

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Discover the refreshing flavors of Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Salad, perfect for warm days and light meals. This vibrant dish combines lean chicken breast with sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and aromatic basil, all brought together by a creamy, zesty dressing of yogurt and lemon juice. Ideal for lunch or dinner, it's packed with nutrients and can be customized for your dietary preferences. Enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already cooked the chicken, you can do so by boiling, grilling, or roasting it until fully cooked. Once done, allow the chicken to cool before shredding or dicing it into small, bite-sized pieces.

    Chop the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and the chopped fresh basil leaves. Toss gently to combine.

      Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and season it with salt and pepper as desired.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared chicken to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.

          Taste and Adjust: Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding extra salt, pepper, or a splash more lemon juice for brightness.

            Serve the Salad: Transfer the chicken salad to a large serving dish or individual bowls. If you choose to include feta cheese, sprinkle it generously on top. Garnish each serving with lemon wedges for an added zesty flair.

              Chill (Optional): For optimal flavor development, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes (including optional chilling time) | Serves 4-6

                  Presentation Tips: To elevate your dish, consider serving the salad in hollowed-out cucumber cups or on a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant and eye-catching plate.