Greek Chicken Salad Recipe: A Flavorful Mediterranean Favorite
Greek Chicken Salad recipe is a Mediterranean classic reimagined with vibrant ingredients and creamy tzatziki dressing. This article explores its origins, key components, and how you can prepare the perfect Greek chicken salad at home—crispy, juicy, and full of texture.
The Story Behind My Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
The inspiration for this Greek Chicken Salad recipe started during a summer trip to a small village on the Peloponnesian coast. I remember walking into a seaside café, the salty air mingling with aromas of grilled chicken, garlic, lemon, and oregano. It was my first taste of authentic Greek flavors—so fresh, simple, and bold.
Back in my New Orleans kitchen, I knew I had to recreate that moment. But I wanted to keep it approachable. Instead of complicated techniques, I leaned into my roots—mixing bold ingredients, layering textures, and keeping the prep manageable. The result is this Greek Chicken Salad recipe that my readers now love. It’s hearty enough for dinner, light enough for lunch, and layered with Mediterranean goodness.
Whether you’ve always been a fan of Greek cuisine or you’re exploring new salad inspirations, this recipe balances health and flavor beautifully. I’ll walk you through the essentials and a few twists that make this version unforgettable.
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Greek Chicken Salad Recipe: A Flavorful Mediterranean Favorite
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Protein-Packed Salads
- Method: Grilled and Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Description
- Greek Chicken Salad recipe packed with tzatziki, feta, olives, and crispy pita—easy, fresh, and full of Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
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For the Chicken:
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1 batch of your favorite Greek-style chicken marinade (no wine, no pork)
For the Tzatziki Dressing:
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1/2 English cucumber, peeled and chopped
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 garlic clove or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon dried dill
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1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
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1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
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1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
For the Salad:
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1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups)
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1 English cucumber, peeled, halved, and sliced
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8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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Sliced almonds (optional)
For the Pita Croutons:
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4 plain pita breads, cut into 1/2-inch squares (about 4 cups)
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1/8 teaspoon salt
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1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/8 teaspoon paprika
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Instructions
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Cook the Chicken:
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Prepare and cook chicken using your preferred Greek-style marinade. Let it rest before slicing.
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Make the Tzatziki Dressing:
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Place chopped cucumber in a fine mesh sieve and mix with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture. Press with the back of a spoon to remove excess water.
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Add cucumber and remaining dressing ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Bake the Pita Croutons:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread pita squares on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss to coat.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
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Assemble the Salad:
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In a large bowl, combine romaine, cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Toss gently.
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Add the sliced chicken, feta, pita croutons, and dressing right before serving, or serve components separately if storing leftovers.
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Table of Contents
Mediterranean Chicken Meets Fresh Garden Salad
Why Greek Chicken Elevates the Salad Experience
A standard salad becomes extraordinary with the addition of Greek-marinated chicken. This isn’t just about protein—it’s about flavor depth. Greek-style chicken typically includes lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and olive oil, creating a savory, zesty profile that balances the freshness of vegetables. By grilling or baking the chicken after marinating, you lock in bold Mediterranean notes and achieve that slightly charred edge that defines this Greek Chicken Salad recipe.
Fresh Vegetables That Add Color and Crunch
What sets this salad apart is the rainbow of fresh produce. Crunchy romaine, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and bell peppers form the backbone. Kalamata olives and red onions bring a briny sharpness that pairs beautifully with the tangy feta. It’s a satisfying texture mix that complements the chicken while giving your plate a visual and flavor pop.
Tzatziki and Pita Croutons: The Unexpected Stars
Creamy Homemade Tzatziki Dressing
The tzatziki dressing in this Greek Chicken Salad recipe isn’t just a topping—it’s a game-changer. Traditional tzatziki combines cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs. In this version, I blend in a touch of mayonnaise and white vinegar for richness and tang. The result? A creamy, cooling contrast to the grilled chicken’s heat and the vegetables’ crunch.
To make it perfect, I start by salting and draining the cucumber. This removes excess water and keeps the dressing thick. A quick blend with yogurt, garlic, dill, parsley, cumin, and lemon juice gives you a refreshing dressing that’s rich, zesty, and slightly herby. Chill it for at least an hour so the flavors marry—this step makes all the difference.
Crunchy Homemade Pita Croutons Add Texture
Instead of store-bought croutons, I bake my own pita chips. They’re easy and add a crispy, golden touch that holds up well in the salad. Just cut plain pita into squares, toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt, then bake until crispy. They soak up just enough dressing without getting soggy, adding a toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft feta and juicy vegetables.
If you’re looking for more salad inspiration with a satisfying crunch, you’ll love how these croutons resemble the texture play found in cashew chicken salad and chicken Caesar salad. Both offer similar balance, but with completely different flavor profiles.
How to Assemble the Perfect Greek Chicken Salad
Step-by-Step Salad Building
Creating a balanced Greek Chicken Salad isn’t complicated—it’s all about layering. Start with a large bowl and a foundation of freshly chopped romaine lettuce. Add in the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper. Toss gently so each bite gets a mix of textures and flavors.
Next, top with sliced grilled chicken, ensuring it’s warm but not piping hot so it doesn’t wilt the greens. Scatter the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta on top. The final touch? Drizzle your chilled tzatziki dressing generously across the bowl and finish with a handful of homemade pita croutons for that golden crunch.
If you’re meal-prepping, keep the dressing and croutons separate until you’re ready to serve. This keeps everything crisp and fresh.
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Enhancements
This salad shines on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like lemon orzo, roasted potatoes, or even hummus and warm pita. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of feta or skip the mayo in the dressing. For added richness, sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or a handful of chickpeas on top.
You can also serve components buffet-style, letting everyone build their own salad. This approach is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or picnics. Plus, it keeps leftovers crisp and delicious the next day.
With this setup, you get maximum freshness and flexibility, ensuring every serving delivers on flavor and satisfaction. In the final main section, we’ll discuss common customizations and dietary tweaks for this crowd-pleasing dish.
Customizing Your Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Easy Substitutions for Any Diet
The beauty of this Greek Chicken Salad recipe is how adaptable it is. If you’re looking to cut dairy, skip the feta and opt for a cashew-based alternative or use extra olives for that briny punch. For a lighter dressing, swap the mayo for additional Greek yogurt or even a drizzle of olive oil and lemon.
Vegetarian? Simply omit the chicken or replace it with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or falafel bites for a plant-based twist. Gluten-free? Choose gluten-free pita or roasted chickpeas instead of traditional croutons. The essential elements—crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and vibrant flavors—stay intact with every variation.
These substitutions maintain the salad’s integrity while supporting a range of dietary needs, making it perfect for any table.
Nutritional Benefits That Make It a Smart Choice
Beyond taste, this salad offers serious nutritional perks. It’s packed with lean protein from the grilled chicken and Greek yogurt, delivering long-lasting energy without the heaviness of creamy salads. The veggies contribute vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
The healthy fats from olive oil, feta, and optional almonds support heart health, while the fiber from romaine and cucumbers aids digestion. Even better? One serving clocks in at approximately 390 calories, with 28 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, making it ideal for lunch or dinner.
With a few tweaks, this dish can fit high-protein, low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian lifestyles. It’s a salad that doesn’t feel like a compromise—it feels like a reward.
FAQS
What is in Greek chicken salad?
A Greek chicken salad includes marinated and grilled chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. It’s typically topped with a creamy tzatziki dressing and crunchy pita croutons, delivering a flavorful mix of textures and Mediterranean flavors.
What are the ingredients to Greek salad?
A traditional Greek salad (Horiatiki) features tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, typically dressed with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. It doesn’t include lettuce and focuses on bold, raw ingredients that reflect Greek simplicity and freshness.
What are the 4 ingredients in chicken salad?
The basic chicken salad typically includes cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and onions. In a Greek Chicken Salad recipe, these basics are elevated with Mediterranean ingredients like tzatziki, olives, feta, and herbs, making it far more layered and refreshing.
What is a traditional Greek salad with?
Traditional Greek salad is served with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, and a wedge of crusty bread. It’s often paired with grilled meats like souvlaki or lamb chops. In this case, the Greek-style grilled chicken makes it a full, satisfying meal on its own.
Conclusion: Embrace Bold Flavor With This Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
This Greek Chicken Salad recipe is everything a salad should be—colorful, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With zesty grilled chicken, creamy tzatziki, crunchy vegetables, and warm pita croutons, it hits every texture and taste. Plus, it’s easy to customize for your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a summer lunch, planning your weekly meal prep, or just craving something nourishing and bold, this salad delivers every time. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to Mediterranean dish.
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