Chicken Greek Salad
Juicy grilled chicken tops a bed of crisp romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette and finished with crumbled feta, it’s a refreshing and hearty meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a medium bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp of the lemon juice, 1 tsp of the dried oregano, the garlic powder, 0.75 tsp of the salt, and 0.5 tsp of the black pepper.
- c.Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Vinaigrette
- b.While the chicken marinates, prepare the dressing. In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, the remaining 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, the remaining 1 tsp dried oregano, the remaining 0.5 tsp salt, and the remaining 0.25 tsp black pepper.
- c.Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Chicken
- b.Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- c.Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill.
- d.Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- e.Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial for keeping it juicy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Salad
- b.In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and pitted Kalamata olives.
- c.Slice the rested chicken against the grain into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Toss and Serve
- b.Just before serving, give the vinaigrette another shake and pour about half of it over the vegetables. Toss gently to coat.
- c.Add the sliced grilled chicken to the bowl, top with the crumbled feta cheese, and drizzle with a little more dressing if desired.
- d.Serve immediately and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the herbs and lemon to penetrate the meat.
- 2Letting the grilled chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing is essential. It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
- 3To prevent a soggy salad, only add the vinaigrette right before you plan to serve it.
- 4For superior taste and texture, buy a block of feta cheese packed in brine and crumble it yourself.
- 5Feel free to add other classic Greek ingredients like bell peppers (green or red), pepperoncini, or artichoke hearts.
- 6For meal prep, store the chopped vegetables, cooked chicken, and dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before eating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with a 15-ounce can of chickpeas (rinsed and drained) or a block of firm tofu that has been marinated and grilled.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This salad is also delicious with grilled shrimp, salmon fillets, or sliced steak instead of chicken.
Add GrainsAdd Grains
To make it even more substantial, serve the salad over a bed of cooked quinoa, farro, or orzo pasta.
Creamy DressingCreamy Dressing
For a creamy version of the vinaigrette, whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt until smooth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The extra virgin olive oil in the vinaigrette is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels.
Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants
The variety of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and romaine lettuce delivers essential vitamins (such as A, C, and K), minerals, and powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
Good Source of Fiber
With plenty of fresh vegetables and olives, this salad provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to satiety.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Chicken Greek Salad contains approximately 670 calories. This can vary based on the exact size of the chicken breast and the amount of dressing used.