Lemon Chicken and Rice Salad
This lemon chicken and rice salad combines cooked rice, chicken, and fresh veggies with a bright, lemon olive oil dressing. Hearty, vibrant, and full of savory, refreshing flavors, it’s a great way to use up leftovers and comes together in minutes!
Are you a salad lover? They’re pretty much all we eat when the weather gets warm. There’s just something so satisfying about the crisp crunch of fresh veggies and the tang of a homemade dressing. We just can’t get enough!
Contrary to popular belief, salad recipes don’t have to be bland, and our recipes certainly aren’t boring. Our coleslaw chicken salad and southwestern quinoa salad prove it.
However, this lemon chicken and rice salad might be our favorite option yet. It’s loaded with zesty, citrus flavor, and is packed with good-for-you ingredients to keep you full.
It’s tasty enough to convince even the strongest salad objector to give it a shot! Prepare a fresh salad in minutes, or make it in advance to enjoy for several days. We promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredients
Please scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details!
Salad Ingredients
- Rice – We use cooked white rice, but brown rice will also work. To make this super easy, buy microwave packages or cups!
- Veggies – Chopped bell pepper, diced red onion, and cucumber add lots of color, nutrients, and crunch.
- Chicken – Use premade cooked chicken breasts or shredded chicken, or pick up a rotisserie chicken on your way home from the store!
- Basil – Technically optional, this adds a vibrant, slightly sweet taste that really elevates the dish.
Dressing Ingredients
- Olive Oil – Make sure to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the base of your dressing.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is best! This adds a vibrant flavor that infuses the whole salad with a delicious refreshing taste.
- Garlic – Use whole garlic cloves, and mince them yourself.
How to Make the Best Lemon Chicken and Rice Salad
- Combine. Add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl.
2. Create the dressing. Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Assemble the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss to combine. Adjust the seasonings to taste, and enjoy!
Flavor Variations
- Grains – Swap the rice with quinoa, orzo, rice noodles, farro, or any grains you like best.
- Veggies – Add to or swap the veggies with any you have on hand. Tomatoes and mushrooms make great additions.
- Protein – Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp, fish, ground turkey, or steak.
- Dressings – Use any store-bought or homemade salad dressing you like best.
- Toppings and Mix-Ins – Kalamata olives, feta cheese, sunflower seeds, or croutons are a fun way to add flavor and crunch.
Common Questions
Yes! Cook the chicken and rice separately, dice up the veggies, and whisk the dressing. Store all the ingredients in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, toss all the ingredients together and enjoy.
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir to redistribute the ingredients before serving.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
Chicken and Rice Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
SALAD INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup cucumber peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 10 basil leaves finely chopped 1/4 cup
DRESSING INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl. Set aside.2 cups cooked white rice, 1 cup chopped bell pepper, 1/3 cup diced red onion, 1 cup cucumber, 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, 10 basil leaves finely chopped
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad.1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 Tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon minced garlic or ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Mix well and add more seasoning, if needed.
- Serve immediately or cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Did you enjoy this Lemon Chicken and Rice Salad recipe? We’d love it if you left a rating and review to let us know, and don’t forget to tag us in your recreations on Instagram!
Such a fresh and yummy salad!