Greek Salad with Chicken

Greek Salad with Chicken

Jani

Hi, I'm Janice! I'm a chef, food photographer, and DIY enthusiast. On this blog, I share reliable, budget-friendly recipes that anyone can make, regardless of their cooking experience. Alongside these delicious dishes, I also offer a peek into my DIY projects, showing you how I’m transforming my home one step at a time. Whether you're here to cook up something tasty or get inspired to tackle a home improvement project, you'll find something to enjoy!

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Years ago, I realized that Greek Salad with Chicken was one of my go-to dinner options. It’s quick, customizable, and light enough not to leave you feeling heavy before bed. Right now, I’m working on a collection of what I consider to be the world’s 10 best salads, and Greek Salad with Chicken easily makes the cut. It’s one of those reliable recipes that we all turn to when we need something simple, but with just a little extra effort, it can become so much more than just another salad.


I totally understand the frustration of making the same salad over and over until your family can’t take it anymore. My husband always says, “Wait, not another tuna salad, right?” (I get it, cracking open a can of tuna is fast and convenient). But let me show you something just as easy that your family will actually look forward to at dinner time.

Greek Salad with Chicken served on white plate.

If you’re like me, you probably have some chicken leftovers. I usually make chicken breast fillets for lunch, saving a couple for the evening to toss into this Greek salad. It’s a quick and practical way to build a satisfying meal. All you need are the classic Greek salad ingredients: tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and maybe a radish or two (not so traditional, but I love the pop of color). Don’t forget the black olives and feta cheese — after all, it wouldn’t be a proper Greek salad without them.

Now, let’s talk about what really sets this salad apart: the dressing. I mix olive oil with apple cider vinegar, a pinch of dried oregano (not powdered, please!), salt, pepper, a smashed garlic clove, and just a hint of sugar for balance. Trust me, the freshly cracked black pepper and the right dressing elevate this simple salad into a dish worth repeating.

What ingredients do you need for Greek Salad with Chicken?

  • Tomatoes: Go for ripe and juicy tomatoes, the fresher, the better.
  • Cucumbers: I prefer leaving the skin on for extra crunch and color.
  • Onions/Radishes: Traditionalists use red onion, but I substitute with radishes for a peppery kick and vibrant color.
  • Lettuce: Technically optional, but I like a light bed of greens to bulk up the dish.
  • Olives: Black Kalamata olives are a must for that briny, tangy hit.
  • Feta Cheese: You can use any white cheese with low salt content, but feta crumbles are the classic option.
  • Chicken Breast: Grilled and marinated chicken takes this salad from side dish to main course.

The dressing deserves a special mention: good-quality olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano leaves (not powdered!), a pinch of salt and pepper, a clove of finely smashed garlic, and just a touch of sugar for balance. Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the oregano to rehydrate — this brings out its full flavor.

Ingredients for make Greek Salad with Chicken

Why should you try Greek Salad with Chicken?

  • A True Classic with a Twist: Greek Salad is ranked among the top 10 salads in the world for good reason. The refreshing combination of vegetables and the unique salty kick from olives and feta make it a simple yet unbeatable recipe. Adding marinated chicken makes it even more filling and nutritious.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re enjoying a light summer dinner or need a quick and satisfying lunch, Greek Salad with Chicken hits all the right notes. You can serve smaller portions as an appetizer or go full-out as a main course.
  • Easy to Make: This salad is all about keeping it simple. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, even beginners can whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in no time. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—grill your chicken ahead of time and store it for up to a few days in the fridge.

How to make Greek Salad with Chicken?

Marinate the Chicken: The first step is to marinate your chicken breasts with a simple Greek marinade. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally a few hours for maximum flavor.

Prepare the Dressing: While the chicken is marinating, whip up your dressing. Mix olive oil, apple cider or red wine vinegar, oregano leaves, salt, pepper, a bit of smashed garlic, and a pinch of sugar or honey. Let the dressing rest to allow the oregano to rehydrate and infuse the oil.

Grill the Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. Once cooked, let them cool slightly before slicing them into strips.

Assemble the Salad: Start by arranging a bed of lettuce (if using) on a large plate or bowl. Add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Top it all off with the grilled chicken strips.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the salad with your homemade dressing, making sure to coat all the ingredients evenly. For a final touch, sprinkle a little more oregano on top and serve immediately.

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Variations and Substitutions

Classic Greek Salad: The traditional version of Greek salad includes diced tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, onions, black olives, and feta cheese, all without lettuce or chicken. It’s a great option for a refreshing side dish.

Mediterranean Twist: You can substitute the chicken with grilled lamb or beef for a heartier version. Adding roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts is another way to give it a Mediterranean flair.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken entirely and add chickpeas or lentils for a protein-rich vegetarian alternative. This version is just as satisfying and flavorful.

Vegan Adaptation: Us a dairy-free feta substitute or leave out the cheese entirely, and the salad is easily transformed into a vegan-friendly meal.

Tips and Tricks

  • Prep the Dressing in Advance: Make the dressing a day or two ahead of time. It only gets better as the flavors meld together, and it saves time when you’re ready to assemble the salad.
  • Let the Chicken Rest: After grilling, let the chicken sit for a few minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and keeps the chicken tender and moist.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers make all the difference. Avoid overripe or mushy produce, as it can affect the texture of the salad.
  • Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you can, grill the chicken instead of cooking it on the stove. The smoky flavor from the grill adds depth to the dish.
  • Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad as soon as it’s assembled. If you’re making it ahead of time, keep the dressing and salad separate until just before serving.

 

Greek Salad with Chicken

Greek Salad with Chicken: a refreshing, satisfying meal made with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for any occasion!
Course Salads
Cuisine Greek
Palabra clave Feta Cheese, Greek, Greek Salad, Olive Oil, Oregano, Salad, Salad with Chicken
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 160kcal

Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 2 cups of roasted chicken breast shredded or diced (300 g)
  • 4 cups of chopped lettuce 160 g
  • 2 large tomatoes sliced (300 g)
  • 1 cucumber sliced (250 g)
  • 4 radishes thinly sliced (100 g)
  • ½ cup of black olives pitted and halved (70 g)
  • ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese 75 g

For the marinade (for the chicken):

  • 2 teaspoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

For the salad dressing:

  • 2 teaspoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 garlic clove finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon of honey optional, for a touch of sweetness

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, lime juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the cooked chicken breast with this marinade, tossing gently to combine. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  • Slice the Vegetables: On a large cutting board, slice the tomatoes into wedges or rounds, depending on your preference. Then, thinly slice the cucumber and radishes. Set them aside.
  • Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl or on individual plates, arrange a base of chopped lettuce. Add the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and radishes on top. Scatter the black olives and crumbled feta cheese over the vegetables.
  • Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Shake or stir well until the ingredients are well combined.
  • Add the Chicken: Once the chicken has absorbed the flavors of the marinade, place it on top of the salad. You can either add it whole or slice it into bite-sized pieces.
  • Drizzle the Dressing: Pour the prepared salad dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss the salad if desired or serve as is for a more visually appealing presentation.
  • Serve: Enjoy the Greek salad with chicken immediately. This salad is great as a light main course or a hearty side dish.

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