Start by preparing your vegetables while your greens sit in a colander to drain excess water. Slice the cucumber into rounds, julienne your carrots with a vegetable peeler if you don't have a mandoline, and halve those cherry tomatoes. Having everything prepped makes assembly feel so much faster, and you'll actually stay on that 20-minute timeline.

Layer your mixed greens into a large bowl or directly onto four serving plates if you're plating individually. I personally prefer bowls because they're easier to toss and eat at your desk, but plates look prettier for company. Greens are the foundation for your spring chicken salad recipe, so don't skimp on this step.

Arrange your shredded chicken on top of the greens, then scatter your prepped cucumber, carrots, and cherry tomatoes around the bowl. The colors pop better when you don't just dump everything in randomly. Sprinkle that red onion over the top — it adds a little bite that keeps things interesting.

Whisk together your olive oil and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl, then season with salt and a few cracks of black pepper. This dressing comes together in literally 30 seconds, and it's so much lighter than anything bottled. Taste it before you pour it on — you might want an extra pinch of salt depending on your greens.

Drizzle your dressing over the entire salad, making sure to get it on the greens and vegetables evenly. Don't panic if it looks a little wet at first — the greens will absorb the dressing as you eat. This is way better than dressing it hours ahead because everything stays crisp.

Scatter your toasted almonds and sunflower seeds over the top, then finish with that crumbled feta cheese. These toppings add crunch and richness that make every bite feel satisfying. Trust me on this — they're the secret to not being hungry an hour later.

Toss everything together gently right before eating so the dressing coats every piece, or let your guests do it themselves if you're serving this way. Either method works fine for this spring chicken salad recipe. Serve immediately and watch it disappear.