This Chicken Salad with Zucchini, Lemon, and Pine Nuts is a fresh, elegant twist on classic chicken salad. Inspired by Provençal flavors, it features tender slices of marinated chicken breast, thinly shaved zucchini, lemon zest, and toasted pine nuts—all brought together with sweet currants and a touch of preserved lemon. Perfect for a warm-weather lunch or light dinner, this vibrant dish is both flavorful and nourishing, ideal for entertaining or enjoying on a sunny patio.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3 tablespoons currants
6 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Zest and juice of 1 lemon (divided)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 small zucchini, very thinly sliced lengthwise
1 shallot, minced
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
3 tablespoons pine nuts
1 cup baby arugula
2 tablespoons chopped preserved lemon

Directions

In a small bowl, cover the currants with hot water and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil with garlic, cumin, lemon zest, half the lemon juice, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Add zucchini and drained currants. Toss and let marinate at room temperature for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
In another dish, mix shallot with 2 tablespoons olive oil and the remaining lemon juice. Add chicken and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, turning occasionally.
Toast pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until golden. Transfer to a plate to cool.
Remove chicken from marinade and scrape off excess shallot. Slice chicken into 1½-inch strips. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning, for about 8 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
Let chicken cool slightly, then combine with marinated zucchini, currants, arugula, pine nuts, and preserved lemon in a large bowl. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~390 kcal
Protein: ~28g
Fat: ~26g
Carbohydrates: ~12g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~6g
Sodium: ~480mg
Vitamin C: ~35% DV
Iron: ~2mg

A Mediterranean-Inspired Culinary Escape

Inspired by the vibrant, healthful cuisine of Southern France, this salad showcases the Mediterranean’s love of fresh produce, quality olive oil, and bold aromatics. The flavor profile leans into the herbaceous, citrusy, and nutty notes that define Provençal cooking. It also takes advantage of preserved lemon—a pantry staple in North African and French-Mediterranean cuisine that imparts an intense lemony tang that’s both bright and earthy.

The use of zucchini, especially shaved thinly, allows it to absorb the marinade beautifully while still maintaining a tender-crisp bite. It’s the perfect raw vegetable to pair with protein, adding structure and freshness without overpowering the dish. The currants—small, dried berries with a concentrated sweetness—contrast nicely with the tangy dressing and give the salad a hint of natural sweetness that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Preserved lemon is the finishing touch that brings the whole dish together. Its salty, slightly fermented taste punches up the brightness and pairs beautifully with both the tender chicken and the zucchini.

Balanced, Wholesome, and Nourishing

This salad is not only flavorful but also balanced in its nutritional composition. With around 390 calories per serving, it offers a satisfying amount of lean protein—roughly 28 grams per serving—making it ideal for those seeking a lighter yet protein-rich meal. The olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats that are key to heart health and satiation, while the zucchini and arugula bring fiber, vitamins, and minerals into the mix.

The inclusion of toasted pine nuts adds richness and a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft textures of the chicken and zucchini. Pine nuts are also an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. Meanwhile, the currants provide natural sugars and iron, helping boost energy while adding a pleasant sweetness that doesn’t rely on added sugars.

Because it’s naturally gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, and dairy-optional, this salad works for a variety of dietary preferences. It can be modified easily for dairy-free, paleo, or Whole30 eating styles, and the ingredients are all whole-food based, making it a clean, real-food recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ideal for Entertaining and Alfresco Dining

What makes this salad truly stand out is how effortlessly elegant it is. It looks and tastes like something served at a high-end bistro, yet it’s simple enough to prepare at home. The visual appeal of thinly shaved zucchini, golden toasted pine nuts, vibrant green arugula, and tender chicken pieces makes this dish a showstopper at any brunch table or outdoor gathering.

It’s also versatile enough to be served in multiple ways. Enjoy it as a main course for lunch or dinner, serve smaller portions as a starter for a multi-course meal, or plate it individually for a refined presentation at events. Add a crusty baguette or a side of couscous or farro to turn it into a heartier spread, or serve alongside a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a complete Mediterranean moment.

Another advantage is that this salad holds up beautifully for casual entertaining. The chicken and zucchini can be prepped in advance, and the salad can be assembled shortly before serving without losing texture or flavor. The lemon juice and olive oil act as natural preservatives, helping the vegetables retain freshness for longer than heavier, cream-based dressings.

Fresh, Clean Ingredients with Depth and Complexity

What sets this dish apart from other chicken salads is the sheer complexity of flavors that comes from such a simple list of ingredients. Instead of relying on heavy sauces or processed condiments, this recipe focuses on layering flavors through fresh herbs, citrus, toasted nuts, and quality olive oil.

The marinade for the chicken—made with shallots, lemon juice, and olive oil—does more than just flavor the meat. It helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring every bite is juicy and infused with brightness. Cooking the chicken in the remaining oil gives it a golden sear that enhances its savory depth.

The zucchini, currants, and preserved lemon are marinated separately, which allows their individual flavors to meld together and infuse each other over time. This separation of preparation ensures that each element retains its own identity while still contributing to the cohesive whole. The final toss with baby arugula adds a peppery bite that keeps the salad lively and crisp, making every bite dynamic and interesting.

A Celebration of Seasonal Simplicity

This chicken salad is at its best during the warmer months when zucchini is fresh, lemons are vibrant, and lighter meals feel especially appropriate. However, it’s also a great year-round option thanks to the accessibility of ingredients like currants, preserved lemon, and olive oil. The flavors of this dish evoke sunshine and outdoor dining, even when enjoyed indoors.

Its simplicity is part of its charm. No need for complicated techniques or long ingredient lists—just fresh, high-quality components combined with care and intention. Each ingredient brings something to the table, from the sweet pop of currants to the nutty crunch of pine nuts and the zesty brightness of lemon.

If you’re someone who enjoys making meals that feel both comforting and refined, this salad hits all the right notes. It’s light without being unsubstantial, clean without being bland, and sophisticated without being overly complicated. It embodies the essence of Mediterranean cooking: beautiful food that nourishes the body and delights the senses.

Conclusion

Chicken Salad with Zucchini, Lemon, and Pine Nuts is a refreshing reinvention of a classic dish—bright, textured, and brimming with Mediterranean charm. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for entertaining but simple enough for a weekday lunch. With its lean protein, crisp vegetables, healthy fats, and a burst of citrus, it offers a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy chicken salad, wanting to impress guests with a dish that’s both light and luxurious, or simply craving a wholesome meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this recipe delivers. Serve it on a sunny patio, with a glass of chilled wine, or pack it into a picnic basket—it’s versatile, elegant, and endlessly satisfying. Once you’ve tried it, this Provençal-inspired salad is sure to become a seasonal staple you return to again and again.