A refreshing and healthy Greek chicken salad made with a vibrant mix of crisp vegetables, juicy chicken, feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty and flavorful homemade Greek dressing.
Trying to add more salads to your diet? Check out my salad recipes, like the crunchy carrot salad or this light beet and feta salad!
GREEK CHICKEN SALAD
Like the classic traditional Greek salad, this salad is loaded with a juicy Greek marinated chicken! Featuring crispy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, this salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors. The Greek style chicken adds a satisfying protein boost, while the tangy, herbed dressing ties everything together perfectly. Perfect as a light lunch or a filling dinner, this Greek chicken salad offers a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
WHAT YOU NEED-
- Greek Chicken– I love to make a Greek marinated chicken for this salad, but you can use any preferred chicken. Sliced, cubed or shredded chicken will work. You can use grilled chicken, chicken tenders, blackened air fryer chicken or even rotisserie chicken!
- Lettuce– For the best results, I recommend that you use chopped romaine for this salad! The romaine creates a crisp base for the salad.
- Tomato– Either cherry tomatoes or regular tomatoes can be used. Tomatoes: use cherry tomatoes; they are juicy and so sweet!
- Cucumber– To add crunch and more flavors, add cucumbers! I prefer using the mini cucumbers, but any fresh cucumber will work for this salad.
- Red Onion– I love adding red onions to salads, they are so flavorful and delicious. You can substitute for sweet onion or just leave out the onion completely.
- Peppers– You can use either banana peppers, pepperoncini peppers or fresh baby bell peppers in your Greek salad!
- Olives– Kalamata olives are a staple in Greek salads, providing a briny, salty flavor that balances the sweetness of tomatoes and peppers. You can use either kalamata olive, black olives or even green olives, whichever you prefer!
- Feta Cheese– You cannot forget the feta cheese; this is another authentic Greek salad staple! Either crumbled or cubed feta cheese can be used.
- Greek Salad Dressing– Either store-bought Greek salad dressing or homemade salad dressing can be used for this salad! I highly recommend using homemade Greek salad dressing for the best results.
HOW TO MAKE CLASSIC GREEK SALAD WITH CHICKEN
This salad comes together so easily and will become your go-to lunch or dinner!
- Prep the chicken– In a bowl, add the chicken and all the ingredients for the marinade, mix until fully combined. For the best results, marinate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours!
- Cook the chicken with the desired cooking method. Once cooked, slice or cube the chicken. Set aside.
- Prep Salad Dressing– Combine all the ingredients from the homemade Greek salad dressing in a jar or bowl and mix until fully combined.
- Assemble the Salad– Slice and chop all the ingredients for the salad.
- Add chopped romaine to a salad bowl. Top with the sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle the salad dressing over the salad and then toss to combine. Top with freshly grated black pepper and serve with desired sides.
SALAD VARIATIONS
There are so many different ingredients you can add to your Greek salad! Here are some ingredients you can add or swap:
- Croutons
- Pickled Onions
- Bell Peppers
- Pita Chips
- Hummus
- Chickpeas
METHODS FOR COOKING CHICKEN
There are several different ways that you can cook your chicken! Here are some of my go-to methods:
- Air Fryer– Add the marinated chicken into the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 15-17 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Grill– Preheat the grill to medium high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked fully through.
- Skillet– Preheat a skillet or grill pan with 1 Tbsp oil. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated Greek chicken and sauté on medium heat for 5-6 minutes, per side until golden and cooked through.
- Oven– Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the marinated chicken breast to a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until baked through.
| The internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F. You want to allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing! |
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
No! You can totally swap the boneless skinless chicken breast for boneless skinless chicken thighs or even chicken tenders!
Yes, you can use blackened chicken, Chipotle chicken, or any other chicken marinade you like!
For the best results, you want to marinade the chicken for at least 30 minutes up to 18 hours! I love prepping the chicken the night before.
Although authentic Greek salad does NOT have romaine in it, I LOVE adding it for extra flavor!
I do not recommend making this salad ahead of time because it will get soggy. You can prep everything ahead of time but toss in the dressing right before serving!
SERVING IDEAS-
Enjoy this salad for lunch or even dinner! Pair with:
- Pita Bread
- Tzatziki
- Pita Chips
- Garlic Bread
- Hummus
Greek Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Greek Chicken-
- 8 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 5.3 oz cup
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salad-
- 2 heads of romaine chopped
- 1/4 of a small red onion finely sliced
- 1/3 cup black olives halved
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/3 cup diced cucumbers or 2 mini cucumbers sliced
- 2 Tbsp banana peppers
- 1/3 cup croutons
- 2 Tbsp crumbled Feta cheese
- Greek salad dressing homemade or store bought
Instructions
- If you are using homemade Greek salad dressing, prepare the dressing and set aside.
Marinate the Chicken-
- In a bowl or bag, add the olive oil, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Whisk everything until well combined.
- Rinse the chicken breast and remove any excess fat and pat dry. Add the chicken to the bowl or bag and fully combine the chicken in the marinade.
- Cover and allow to marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Cook the Chicken-
- Cook the chicken using the desired method.
- Grilling Method– Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes, per side or until internal temperature reaches 165F.
- Air Fryer Method– Add the marinated chicken to the air fryer basket and air fry at 400F for 15-17 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165F. Flip the chicken halfway if desired.
- Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
- Cut the chicken into thin slices or cubes.
Assemble the Salad-
- Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop the romaine and place in a large salad bowl.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Slice the cucumbers into half-moons or dice it into cubes, depending on your preference. Thinly slice the red onion.
- Halve the olives and crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
- To the chopped lettuce, add the sliced chicken, halved tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss the salad gently, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
- Once the salad is tossed, sprinkle freshly grated black pepper and extra feta cheese.
- Serve immediately with desired sides.
Leave a Reply