Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Great for school or work lunches, or even for parties or tailgating with crackers and vegetables!

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

This is a Mediterranean chicken salad because it uses some of the same foods commonly consumed in the Mediterranean region, including olive oil, artichokes, nuts and sundried tomatoes.

The Mediterranean Diet and pattern of eating has been associated with many health benefits including decreased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. It has also been associated with healthier aging and slowing cognitive decline.

This recipe draws upon the flavors of the Mediterranean region and comes together quickly thanks to the use of a store-bought rotisserie chicken and even mixing the dressing in the jar from the marinated artichokes (one less bowl to wash!).

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

Dijon Dressing

• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 Tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• Liquid from a 12 oz jar of marinated artichokes

Chicken Salad

• 12 ounces cooked chicken, shredded (or 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded)

• 4 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 12 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained (reserve liquid for dressing) and chopped

• ½  cup marinated sundried tomatoes, chopped

• ½ cup Italian parsley, chopped

• ½ cup walnuts, chopped

• Pinch of salt and pepper

In a small bowl or in the jar of the marinated artichoke liquid, add the dressing ingredients and whisk/shake to combine.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, parsley and walnuts. Season with a good pinch of salt and black pepper.

Pour dressing on the chicken salad and toss to combine.

For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.