Ultimate Grilled Chicken Greek Salad: A Fresh, Healthy & Flavorful Meal
Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this **Grilled Chicken Greek Salad**. It’s a light, vibrant, and utterly delicious dish that perfectly captures the essence of Greek cuisine, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings, family dinners, or a healthy meal prep option.
There’s nothing quite like a well-made Greek salad, especially when topped with tender, perfectly grilled chicken. My family absolutely adores grilled Greek chicken, and I find myself craving fresh salads almost daily during the warmer months. Combining these two loves naturally led to today’s star recipe: the ultimate Grilled Chicken Greek Salad.
My unforgettable trip to Greece with Mike solidified my love for authentic Greek salads. Every bite of those salads, with their incredibly fresh, crunchy vegetables, rich and tangy feta cheese, and bright, lemony dressing, felt like pure perfection. This recipe aims to recreate that magical experience, bringing those simple yet profound flavors right into your kitchen.
This salad features a harmonious blend of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, sharp red onion, briny Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta, all tossed with fragrant fresh herbs and a vibrant lemon and olive oil dressing. The star of the show is the tender, juicy Greek-marinated chicken thighs, providing a lean protein boost that makes this salad a complete and satisfying meal. You’ll be amazed at how well these simple ingredients come together to create such a profound taste experience.
Beyond its incredible flavor, this Grilled Chicken Greek Salad offers fantastic versatility. It’s an excellent choice for an easy weeknight dinner or a light lunch. But its benefits don’t stop there – prepare it ahead, portion it into containers, and you have a delicious and healthy picnic offering or a perfect grab-and-go lunch for busy days. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste also make it a fantastic dish to serve at any spring or summer gathering.
If you’re as passionate about Greek flavors as I am, you’ll love exploring other recipes that feature these fresh and wholesome ingredients. I often rotate through a variety of Greek-inspired dishes, including this delightful Greek Quinoa Bowl, the refreshing Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, a hearty Greek Quinoa Salad, the protein-packed Greek Chickpea Salad, and the innovative Spiralized Greek Style Salad. Each one offers a unique way to enjoy the classic tastes of Greece.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Greek Salad
Creating a truly authentic and delicious Greek salad starts with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and textures that make this dish so special. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need. For precise measurements and printable instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card further down the page.
For the Juicy Grilled Chicken
- Chicken: For this recipe, I highly recommend using **boneless, skinless chicken thighs**. The dark meat of the thighs stays incredibly tender and juicy during grilling, absorbing the Greek marinade beautifully, which results in superior flavor compared to chicken breast. If you prefer chicken breast, it’s certainly an option, but be mindful that cooking times will need to be adjusted to prevent drying out. For a quick shortcut, especially when time is tight, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be shredded and used in place of grilled chicken.
Fresh & Crisp Salad Components
- Lettuce: A good Greek salad requires a sturdy, crunchy base. My go-to is **romaine lettuce** for its fantastic crispness and mild flavor that holds up well to dressing. However, feel free to use any other crunchy lettuce variety you enjoy, such as butter lettuce or a spring mix for a softer texture.
- Tomatoes: Nothing beats the burst of sweetness from fresh tomatoes. I prefer **cherry tomatoes** or grape tomatoes, halved, as their small size and concentrated flavor are perfect for salads. You can, of course, use any variety of ripe, diced tomato you have on hand.
- Cucumbers: Essential for that refreshing crunch, **English cucumbers** are my top choice. Their thin skin and minimal seeds mean no peeling is necessary, and they offer a delightful crispness. Regular cucumbers work too, just be sure to peel them if their skin is thick or waxy.
- Onion: A touch of sharp onion adds a crucial bite to a Greek salad. I use about **half a small red onion**, finely diced or thinly sliced. Red onions are preferred for their milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to yellow or white onions. For an even gentler taste, shallots can be a wonderful substitute.
- Bell Pepper: Adding both color and a subtle sweetness, **bell peppers** are a fantastic addition. I often use a combination of red and green bell peppers for a visually appealing and balanced flavor profile, but any color will work beautifully. Ensure they are deseeded and sliced thinly.
The Tangy & Briny Accents
- Olives: No Greek salad is truly complete without the distinctive taste of olives. I use a generous cup of **tangy Kalamata olives**, preferably pitted and halved, for their rich, briny, and slightly fruity flavor. If Kalamata isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with any other olive variety you enjoy.
- Cheese: The creamy, salty highlight of any Greek salad is undoubtedly **feta cheese**. I recommend using authentic Greek feta, ideally packed in brine, which offers a superior creamy texture and tang. Crumbled or cubed, its distinct flavor is irreplaceable. If you’re looking for an alternative, goat cheese could offer a similar creamy, tangy profile.
Fresh Herbs for Aromatic Depth
- Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped **parsley** and **dill** elevate the salad with their bright, herbaceous notes, contributing to that authentic Mediterranean aroma and taste. Don’t skip these; they make a significant difference!
Crafting the Perfect Greek Dressing and Marinade
The secret to a truly spectacular Greek salad lies in its vibrant marinade and zesty dressing. These liquid gold components infuse every bite with Mediterranean goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to create them. Remember to check the recipe card below for exact quantities.
For the Flavorful Chicken Marinade
- Oil: The base of any good marinade is quality oil. I always opt for **extra virgin olive oil** for its robust flavor and health benefits. However, regular olive oil or another light-flavored oil can be used as well.
- Lemon: Freshly squeezed **lemon juice** is indispensable, providing that essential bright acidity that characterizes Greek cuisine and helps tenderize the chicken. Don’t forget to add a pinch of lemon zest for an even more intense citrus punch!
- Garlic: You can’t have Greek flavors without **fresh garlic**. Minced garlic cloves deliver a pungent, aromatic foundation. While garlic paste is a convenient alternative, fresh is always best for maximum flavor.
- Dried Herbs: A classic Greek blend for marinades includes **dried oregano** and **thyme**. These herbs impart an earthy, aromatic depth that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Seasoning: Beyond standard **sea salt and black pepper**, a combination of warm spices like **paprika** (for color and mild sweetness), **cumin** (for an earthy warmth), and a hint of **cayenne pepper** (optional, for a subtle kick) creates a truly dynamic marinade. Feel free to adjust or omit any spice you’re not keen on.
For the Zesty Salad Dressing
- Oil: Once again, **extra virgin olive oil** forms the luscious base of our salad dressing, contributing a smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Lemon: Another fresh **lemon**, juiced, brings that signature bright and tangy element to the dressing, cutting through the richness of the other ingredients.
- Vinegar: **Red wine vinegar** adds another layer of tang and depth to the dressing, balancing the oil and lemon beautifully. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are suitable alternatives if needed.
- Dried Herbs: A touch of **dried oregano** in the dressing ties all the Greek flavors together. You could also experiment with fresh dill for an added layer of freshness.
- Seasoning: Simple **salt and freshly ground black pepper** are all you need to perfectly season your dressing to taste.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Greek Salad? A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this flavorful Grilled Chicken Greek Salad is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these detailed steps to prepare both the perfectly marinated chicken and the fresh, vibrant salad components. You’ll find the full, printable recipe card with exact measurements at the end of this article.
Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by carefully trimming any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place the trimmed chicken pieces into a large, resealable ziplock bag or a spacious, airtight container. This vessel will hold our delicious marinade.
Step 2. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using), along with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This aromatic mixture is the key to infusing your chicken with authentic Greek flavors.
Step 3. Add Marinade: Pour the prepared marinade directly over the chicken in the ziplock bag or container. Ensure the chicken is fully coated by gently massaging the marinade into the meat. This hands-on step helps the flavors penetrate deeply, guaranteeing tender and flavorful chicken.
Step 4. Refrigerate for Flavor Infusion: Seal the bag or container tightly and refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least two hours. For even deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight. Before grilling, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature, still covered in the marinade, for 15-20 minutes. This crucial step allows the chicken to cook more evenly once it hits the hot grill, ensuring a perfect sear and juicy interior, while your grill preheats.
Grilling the Chicken to Perfection
Step 5. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. This ensures beautiful grill marks and easy removal of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade, as it should not be reused after contact with raw meat.
Step 6. Grill Chicken: Carefully place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for at least two minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly tender and moist.
Preparing Your Fresh Salad Base
Step 7. Prepare the Dressing: While the chicken is cooking or resting, prepare your light and zesty dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Whisk until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this flavorful dressing aside until ready to serve.
Step 8. Assemble the Salad: On a large serving platter or in a spacious salad bowl, artfully arrange the crisp romaine lettuce, diced English cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, colorful bell peppers, and briny Kalamata olives. Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill and parsley. Once your grilled chicken is rested and sliced, arrange it beautifully atop the bed of fresh vegetables and herbs.
Assembling and Serving Your Masterpiece
Serve the beautiful salad with the Greek dressing on the side. This allows each guest to dress their own portion according to their preference, ensuring the salad remains crisp and fresh until the last bite. It’s also a thoughtful touch for those who prefer to customize their salad bowls. This dish pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread or soft naan bread for scooping up all the deliciousness.
Expert Tips & Variations for Your Greek Salad
Mastering this Grilled Chicken Greek Salad is easy with a few simple tips and ideas for customization. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking to put your own spin on the classic, these suggestions will help you achieve perfection every time.
- **Make Ahead & Storage for Dressing:** The homemade Greek salad dressing is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily prepare it up to two weeks in advance. Store it in an airtight container or a mason jar in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or whisk before serving, as the oil and vinegar may separate.
- **Salad Component Prep:** To get a head start on your meal, chop and prepare all the individual salad components (lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, olives, feta, herbs). Store each ingredient in separate, covered bowls in the refrigerator. This allows you to quickly assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat, keeping everything fresh and crisp.
- **Dress Right Before Serving:** This is a golden rule for salads! Only add the dressing to the salad components just before you plan to serve and eat it. Dressing too early can cause the vegetables, especially the lettuce, to wilt and become soft, compromising the delightful texture of a fresh Greek salad.
- **Elevate with Extra Veggies:** While the classic Greek salad is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to add more of your favorite vegetables. Consider incorporating marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes (either oil-packed or rehydrated), or even swapping fresh bell peppers for smoky roasted peppers for an added layer of flavor.
- **Protein Swaps & Alternatives:** If you’re looking to change up the protein, this salad is incredibly versatile. Instead of grilled chicken, you could pan-sear tuna steaks, quickly pan-fry some succulent shrimp, or even grill marinated lamb steaks or chops. For a vegetarian option, grilled halloumi cheese or a generous scoop of hummus can make it equally satisfying.
- **Add Grains for a Heartier Meal:** For a more filling dish, especially if you’re serving it as a main course, consider adding cooked quinoa or orzo pasta directly to the salad. This transforms it into a complete grain bowl, packed with complex carbohydrates.
- **Homemade Pita Chips:** Instead of plain pita bread, lightly toast or grill pita bread and cut it into wedges or strips for homemade pita chips. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano before baking or grilling will make them irresistible for dipping and scooping.
- **Spice Level Adjustments:** If you love a little heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the chicken marinade. Conversely, if you prefer it milder, you can omit the cayenne entirely.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed the succulent grilled chicken in this Greek salad, you’re in for a treat! Our collection features a variety of chicken-centric dishes that are both flavorful and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for weeknight inspiration or something special for a gathering, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
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Easy Baked Chicken Tenders (Extra Crispy!)
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Greek Chicken with Tzatziki Orzo Salad
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Grilled Chicken Thighs with Greek Marinade
Chicken
Greek Marinated Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce
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Grilled Chicken Greek Salad
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Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds Gerber Chicken Thighs
- 5 ounces of romaine lettuce
- 1 english cucumber,, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes,, halved
- 1/2 small red onion,, diced
- 2 bell pepper,, seeds removed, sliced {I used green and a red}
- 1 cup kalamata olives
- 5 ounces feta in brine,, drained, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley,, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill,, chopped
For the marinade:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon,, juiced
- 4 garlic cloves,, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne red pepper {optional}
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the dressing:
- 1 lemon,, juiced {about 2 tablespoons}
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Trim fat from the chicken as necessary. In a large ziplock bag or a large container add the chicken.
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In a small mixing bowl combine the olive oil, lemon, garlic cloves, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and mix well.
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Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage the marinade into the meat until the meat is coated with the marinade.
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Refrigerate for two hours in a sealed ziplock bag or a sealed container.
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After marinating, allow the chicken to sit, covered in the bag of marinade for 15-20 minutes while the grill preheats.
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush grill grates with oil.
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Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade.
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Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.
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Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for two minutes. Slice the chicken.
TO MAKE THE DRESSING:
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In a medium mixing bowl combine the lemon, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano and whisk to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:
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Arrange the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper and olives, feta, dill and parsley on a large platter.
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Add the grilled chicken to the platter.
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Serve the salad with the dressing on the side and let your guests create their own Greek salad bowl.
Notes
- The salad dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Leftover salad dressing can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- If you want to get ahead, you can prepare the various parts of the salad and place them into individual, covered bowls in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad.
- Only dress the salad when ready to eat, otherwise the veggies will wilt and start to soften.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.