Ingredients
Marinade and Salad Base
- 3 large plum tomatoes, diced small
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Protein and Greens
- 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils, drained and rinsed if from a can (about 10 ounces)
- 3 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (4 ounces)
- 1 cup finely chopped baby spinach (about 1 ounce)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives or another fresh herb like basil or parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the Tomatoes: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the tomatoes evenly and allow the mixture to marinate for 5 to 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked lentils, diced cooked chicken breast, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped baby spinach, and chopped fresh herbs to the marinated tomato mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve or Store: Serve the Bruschetta Chicken Lentil Salad immediately, or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This versatile salad is delicious on its own, served with chips for scooping, over a bed of greens, or stuffed into pita pockets for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use canned lentils for convenience; just be sure to drain and rinse them well.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be substituted for chives depending on your preference.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep.
- For a vegan version, omit the chicken and feta or replace feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Serve with pita bread, chips, or on top of fresh greens for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming lentils and chicken are pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
