Fresh Greek Grilled Chicken Salad

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this incredibly fresh and satisfying Greek Grilled Chicken Salad. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a complete, wholesome meal packed with juicy, perfectly grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, tangy Kalamata olives, creamy avocado, and a zesty homemade Greek dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re seeking a light yet filling lunch or a nutritious dinner option, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece.

Say goodbye to bland, uninspiring salads! Our Grilled Chicken Greek Salad offers a flavorful take on a beloved classic, making healthy eating both delicious and effortless. Power through your day with sustained energy, satisfying your hunger and cravings for authentic Mediterranean cuisine with every bold and fresh bite of this delightful dish. It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes, designed to nourish your body and delight your palate.

If the allure of Greek and Mediterranean flavors captures your heart, be sure to explore more of our cherished recipes, including Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken, savory Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers, the convenient One Pan Baked Greek Chicken, and the irresistible Homemade Greek Gyro Wraps. Each recipe is crafted to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Grilled Chicken Salad

This Greek Grilled Chicken Salad stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a staple in any healthy and flavorful meal rotation:

• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Experience a symphony of flavors in every forkful. The tender, herb-marinated grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the tangy feta, briny Kalamata olives, crisp vegetables, and a vibrant, garlicky Greek dressing, creating a truly memorable culinary experience.
• Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and avocado, and a bounty of fresh vegetables, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s a balanced meal that supports a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste.
• Remarkably Versatile: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Serve it as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even prepare components for delicious meal prep throughout the week. You can easily customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables or additional protein sources to suit any preference.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: Designed for convenience, this dish comes together in just a few simple steps. With minimal cook time and straightforward instructions, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• A Taste of the Mediterranean: Immerse yourself in the healthful and aromatic world of Mediterranean cuisine. The fresh ingredients and classic Greek seasonings evoke the essence of traditional dishes, offering a delightful escape for your senses.

Essential Greek Chicken Salad Ingredients

For the Greek Chicken Marinade:

The secret to succulent, flavorful grilled chicken lies in a well-balanced marinade. This Greek yogurt-based marinade not only infuses the chicken with incredible taste but also tenderizes it beautifully.

• Plain, Unsweetened Greek Yogurt: Acts as a tenderizer and creates a creamy base for the marinade, ensuring the chicken stays moist during grilling.
• Olive Oil: A staple of Mediterranean cooking, it adds richness and helps distribute the flavors of the herbs and spices. Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the yogurt and enhances the overall flavor. Freshly squeezed is always recommended.
• Aromatic Herbs and Spices: Freshly minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper are the cornerstone of Greek flavor. They imbue the chicken with a fragrant, earthy aroma.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended for their inherent juiciness, tenderness, and robust flavor, often at a more economical price point than breasts. However, feel free to use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option; just adjust grilling time to prevent drying out.

For the Zesty Greek Dressing:

A great salad is defined by its dressing. This homemade Greek vinaigrette is fresh, tangy, and perfectly complements the grilled chicken and crisp vegetables.

• Olive Oil: The base of our vinaigrette, providing a smooth texture and that distinctive Mediterranean flavor. Use a high-quality olive oil for superior taste.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is traditionally used for its sharp, fruity notes, but white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substituted for a slightly different tang.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Essential for a bright, refreshing kick. Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice to maximize flavor.
• Freshly Chopped Dill: Adds a beautiful green color and a unique, herbaceous, slightly anise-like flavor that is characteristic of Greek cuisine.
• Complementary Herbs and Spices: Minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper echo the flavors of the chicken marinade, creating a cohesive and harmonious taste profile for the entire salad.

For The Fresh & Crisp Salad Base:

The vibrant heart of your Greek Grilled Chicken Salad, composed of fresh, crisp ingredients.

• Crispy Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crunchy, refreshing base. Roughly chopped ensures a good mix of ingredients in every bite.
• Sweet Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the savory and tangy elements of the salad.
• Thinly Sliced Persian or English Cucumber: Adds a cool, refreshing crunch. These varieties are preferred for their thin skin and minimal seeds.
• Ripe Avocado: Sliced or diced, avocado contributes a creamy texture and healthy monounsaturated fats, adding richness and substance to the salad.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: Indispensable for authentic Greek flavor. Its salty, tangy notes are a perfect counterpoint to the fresh vegetables and grilled chicken.
• Kalamata Olives: These smooth, meaty, and distinctively flavored Greek olives are a must-have for their briny depth. Feel free to use other Greek-style olives if Kalamatas are unavailable.
• Capers: Small, briny flower buds with a unique vinegary, pickled flavor that adds an extra layer of complexity and zest.
• Lemon Wedges: For an elegant garnish and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving, enhancing the salad’s brightness.

How To Make Greek Grilled Chicken Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delightful Greek Grilled Chicken Salad is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and your chosen chicken thighs. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated in this aromatic marinade. This step is crucial for both tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with deep Greek flavors. For optimal results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for an even more intense flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate it overnight (up to 12 hours).

Step 2: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat on your stovetop, or preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken thighs onto the grill. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and boasts beautiful, appetizing grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Avoid overcooking to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and juiciness. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad and Whisk the Dressing

While the chicken is grilling or resting, gather and prepare all your salad ingredients. In a large salad bowl, combine the roughly chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and capers. In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together all the ingredients for the Greek dressing until well combined and emulsified. This includes olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Assemble, Dress, and Serve Your Masterpiece

Once the grilled chicken has rested, slice it into bite-sized pieces or strips. Add the sliced chicken to the large bowl with the prepared salad vegetables. Drizzle the freshly made Greek dressing generously over the entire salad. Toss everything gently to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing. Garnish the vibrant salad with fresh lemon wedges, which can be squeezed over individual servings for an extra burst of citrus. Serve your Greek Grilled Chicken Salad immediately to enjoy its peak freshness and crispness.

What to Serve with Greek Grilled Chicken Salad

While this Greek Grilled Chicken Salad is undeniably a complete and satisfying meal on its own, you might want to complement it with a few delightful side dishes or accompaniments to enhance the Mediterranean experience. Consider serving it alongside warm, fluffy pita bread, perfect for scooping up every last bit of dressing and salad. Alternatively, pair it with light and flavorful appetizers or snacks:

• Crispy Spanakopita Triangles for a rich, savory pastry.
• Melt-in-your-mouth Lebanese Cheese Rolls.
• Fun and quick Air Fried Ravioli.
• Crunchy Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks.

For beverages, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or even a refreshing iced tea with lemon, would pair wonderfully with the bright flavors of the salad.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Grilled Chicken Salad

Discover More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the freshness and flavors of this Greek Grilled Chicken Salad, you’ll love exploring other exciting salad creations from our collection:

• Shrimp Lettuce Salad
• Greek Salmon Salad
• Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad
• Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad
• Homemade Chicken Salad

Greek Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe Card

Greek Grilled Chicken Salad

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Greek chicken salad recipe. Featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs tossed with a zesty Greek vinaigrette and a medley of fresh, crisp vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Greek Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Lemon wedges, to garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and chicken thighs. Toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.
2. Grill the chicken: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until thoroughly cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C) and marked with attractive grill lines. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Prepare salad and dressing: While the chicken cooks, prepare all salad ingredients. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, feta, olives, and capers. In a separate small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
4. Assemble and serve: Add the sliced grilled chicken to the salad bowl. Drizzle the prepared Greek dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately for peak freshness.

Notes

• Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor and tender chicken, always marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Evenly Chop Vegetables: Uniformly cut vegetables ensure each bite has a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
• Chill Ingredients: Keep the salad ingredients chilled until just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
• Toss Right Before Serving: Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting and becoming soggy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 631kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 33g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 1306mg | Potassium: 788mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4657IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 2mg

Our Greek Grilled Chicken Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the delicious, healthful traditions of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen. This nutritious dish combines succulent, herb-infused grilled chicken with a medley of crisp, fresh vegetables, all brought together by a vibrant homemade Greek dressing. It’s the perfect healthy chicken salad option – quick to prepare, packed with fresh ingredients, and bursting with flavors that will delight everyone at your table.

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