Zingy Barefoot Contessa’s Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe to Love

Summers call for light, refreshing meals that sparkle with zesty flavors, and this Barefoot Contessa lemon chicken salad recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Juicy, tender chicken takes center stage in a delightful medley of crisp ingredients.

Marinated to perfection, the chicken absorbs bright lemon notes that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that feel both elegant and comforting.

Fresh herbs and a tangy dressing elevate this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ina Garten’s touch makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to fall in love with a salad that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to devour.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 4

Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Salad – Ingredient Essentials

• Cooked Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked meat provides a hearty foundation for the salad, best when shredded or diced from leftover roasted or grilled chicken.

• Red Onion, Fresh Dill: Adds crisp, sharp bite and herbal freshness that brightens the entire dish, selecting sweet and mild red onions and vibrant green dill.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces zesty citrus notes that elevate the chicken's natural flavor, using fresh, organic lemons for maximum aromatic impact.

• Greek Yogurt, Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Smooth, tangy yogurt creates a luxurious base, while olive oil provides silky texture and seasonings balance the overall taste, choosing full-fat Greek yogurt for richness and extra virgin olive oil for depth.

Tools to Build a Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Salad

• Large cutting board: Perfect for dicing chicken and chopping herbs safely.
• Sharp chef's knife: Essential for precise ingredient preparation.
• Grater: Helps create fine lemon zest quickly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate salt and pepper seasoning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for gently mixing and folding ingredients.

Assembling Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Salad at Home

• Chicken Preparation

Tender, juicy chicken becomes the star of this zesty salad. Carefully cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces that will capture the delicious flavors perfectly.

• Bright Citrus Base

Create a lively foundation by combining tangy yogurt with vibrant lemon essence. The zesty notes will awaken your taste buds and bring incredible freshness to the dish.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend the chopped chicken with aromatic onion slivers and delicate herb ribbons. Gently mix everything so each ingredient gets coated in the creamy, bright sauce without losing its individual character.

• Serving Style

Refrigerate the salad to let the flavors mingle and develop depth. When ready to enjoy, serve this delightful mixture nestled in soft pita pockets, scattered over crisp greens, or alongside crunchy crackers for a satisfying meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Tips for the Best Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Salad

• Swap chicken with rotisserie, grilled turkey, or even canned tuna for quick and delicious variations.
• Fold in toasted almonds, chopped celery, or diced cucumber to add exciting texture and freshness to the salad.
• Introduce heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for those who love a zesty kick.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance to let flavors meld, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches during busy weeks.
• Replace Greek yogurt with tzatziki, add kalamata olives, and serve in warm pita pockets for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Salad with Style

• Serve Inside Pita Pockets: Warm soft pita bread and stuff with the zesty lemon chicken salad for a Mediterranean-style handheld meal that's perfect for lunch or picnics.
• Create a Refreshing Salad Bed: Spread the lemon chicken salad over crisp mixed greens, adding extra dill sprigs and a drizzle of olive oil for a light, protein-packed salad option.
• Pack as Elegant Appetizer: Scoop the chicken salad onto elegant crackers or crostini for a sophisticated party bite that delivers bright, tangy flavors in every small serving.
• Wrap in Lettuce Cups: Use butter lettuce leaves as low-carb wraps, filling them with the lemony chicken mixture for a fresh, crunchy alternative to traditional sandwich presentations.

Storage Advice for Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Salad

• Refrigerate Promptly: Store the lemon chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and delicious.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Keep the salad away from direct moisture to maintain its crisp texture and prevent ingredients from becoming watery.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Pack individual portions in small containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick workplace meals during the week.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze, the Greek yogurt might separate, so fresh preparation is recommended for the best taste and consistency.

Zesty Barefoot Contessa Lemon Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Elegant lemon chicken salad showcases Ina Garten’s classic Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Fresh herbs and zesty citrus create a light, refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings you’ll savor with friends.

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Ingredients

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• 280g (10 oz, 2 ½ cups) cooked and diced chicken breast (rotisserie works well)
• 60ml (¼ cup, 2 fl oz) plus 30ml (2 tbsps, 1 fl oz) full-fat Greek yoghurt
• 1 heaped tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsps finely minced red onion
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 heaped tsp grated lemon zest
• ¼ heaped tsp salt
• Pinch or two of black pepper
• Pita bread, crackers, or fresh greens for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients including chicken, red onion, lemon, dill, Greek yogurt, kosher salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
2. Chicken Cutting: Transform cooked chicken into precise, uniform cubes that promise consistent texture and mouthfeel in every bite.
3. Aromatic Foundations: Finely dice red onion and extract vibrant lemon zest, creating a base layer of sharp and citrusy undertones that will elevate the salad’s complexity.
4. Herbal Infusion: Delicately chop fresh dill, releasing its fragrant essence and preparing to integrate its bright, green notes throughout the mixture.
5. Dressing Fusion: In a spacious mixing vessel, combine chicken, red onion, lemon zest, Greek yogurt, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil, whisking with a silicone spatula to create a harmonious, creamy coating.
6. Flavor Harmonization: Gently fold chopped dill into the mixture, ensuring an even distribution of herbaceous notes and allowing each ingredient to contribute its distinctive character.
7. Seasoning Refinement: Conduct a taste assessment, making nuanced adjustments to salt and pepper to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
8. Flavor Development: Seal the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes, permitting the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste experience.
9. Serving Presentation: Present chilled, accompanied by warm pita bread, crisp crackers, or nestled atop a vibrant bed of mixed greens.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Magic: Marinate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to intensify the lemon and dill flavors, creating a more depth and complexity.
• Zest with Care: When grating lemon zest, only scrape the bright yellow outer layer to avoid the bitter white pith, which can make the salad taste harsh.
• Texture is Key: Dice chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure every spoonful has a consistent and pleasant mouthfeel.
• Herb Handling: Chop fresh dill just before adding to maintain its vibrant aroma and prevent wilting, which can diminish its bright, fresh flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg