Greek Grilled Chicken Salad

This Greek Grilled Chicken Salad is a colorful, fresh, and satisfying dish that will surely become your go-to for healthy meals. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, crisp greens, and briny olives, paired with the creamy feta cheese, creates a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.

The homemade dressing, with a tangy kick from the red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard, elevates the flavors of the ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner, this salad is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a perfect option to keep you fueled and satisfied.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

4. While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad ingredients: arrange the mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese on a large platter.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing: olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

6. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

7. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad, drizzle with the dressing, and garnish with fresh parsley.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

Why Greek Grilled Chicken Salad is So Popular

Greek food is celebrated for its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors, and this grilled chicken salad perfectly embodies those qualities. The chicken is marinated in a yogurt-based mixture that infuses it with flavors of lemon, garlic, and spices, making it incredibly juicy and tender. Combined with fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and olives, along with a sprinkle of feta, this salad brings the best of Mediterranean ingredients together.

What truly makes this Greek chicken salad stand out is the dressing. Made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, the dressing is a bright, zesty complement to the grilled chicken and vegetables. It adds a burst of flavor to every bite, making the dish incredibly satisfying and refreshing. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility—whether you’re enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal or serving it at a gathering, it is always a crowd-pleaser.

Making the Perfect Greek Grilled Chicken Salad

The first step in preparing this salad is marinating the chicken. Greek yogurt forms the base of the marinade, which helps tenderize the chicken while imparting a creamy, rich texture. The yogurt is combined with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar, and a blend of spices like oregano, paprika, cumin, and coriander. These ingredients meld together to create a flavorful marinade that not only enhances the chicken but also infuses it with that distinct Mediterranean flavor profile.

Once the chicken has marinated for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor), it’s time to cook it. While grilling the chicken is ideal for a smoky, charred flavor, you can also use a stovetop griddle or non-stick pan. The chicken is cooked until golden brown and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. If you’re grilling outdoors, the chicken tends to pick up an extra layer of flavor that adds even more depth to this dish.

While the chicken is cooking, the salad can be assembled. A classic Greek salad usually consists of chopped romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, shallots, and Kalamata olives. It’s important to use the freshest ingredients you can find—crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers all contribute to the salad’s refreshing texture. The olives and feta provide the briny, salty elements that are quintessential to Greek flavors.

Lemon and Olive Oil Dressing: The Heart of the Salad

The dressing for this Greek grilled chicken salad is incredibly simple, yet it plays a huge role in bringing the dish to life. This olive oil and lemon dressing is called ladolemomo, which is a staple in many Mediterranean kitchens. It’s a blend of freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper. The oil and lemon juice are whisked together until emulsified, creating a smooth and slightly tangy dressing that coats the salad beautifully.

One of the best things about this dressing is its versatility. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Use it not only on salads, but also as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables. The lemony flavor is bright and refreshing, while the olive oil adds richness to the dressing. It’s a simple, yet essential part of what makes this salad so delicious.

Make-Ahead Tips for Greek Grilled Chicken Salad

This Greek grilled chicken salad is perfect for meal prep, as many of the components can be prepared in advance. You can make the dressing a few days ahead of time and store it in a mason jar in the fridge. The vegetables for the salad can be chopped the night before, but don’t dress them until you’re ready to serve, to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. You can also marinate the chicken overnight, which will give it more time to absorb the flavors of the yogurt and spices.

Making this dish ahead of time is a great way to ensure that you have a quick, healthy meal ready to go when you need it. Simply grill the chicken, toss the salad with the dressing, and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to serve.

Customization and Variations

While this Greek grilled chicken salad is delicious as-is, it can also be customized based on your preferences. If you’re not a fan of chicken tenders, you can swap them out for another protein, such as grilled shrimp, lamb chops, or even grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option. The salad itself is highly adaptable, so feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or red onion for extra flavor.

You can also try making the salad with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, if you prefer a milder taste than feta. The Greek dressing can be tailored to suit your preferences by adjusting the amount of garlic, lemon, or oregano to your liking.

Conclusion

This Greek grilled chicken salad is a delightful, wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to bring to a summer gathering, this salad is sure to impress. The combination of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and bold Greek flavors creates a satisfying, nutrient-packed dish that will leave you feeling nourished and energized. The simple lemon and olive oil dressing ties everything together and brings a refreshing tang that’s perfect for warm-weather meals. With its easy preparation and room for customization, this salad is bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation.