Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Greek Chicken Salad is a fresh, colourful Mediterranean dish made with juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese and a zesty homemade lemon dressing. Packed with lean protein and vibrant flavours, this easy salad is perfect for healthy lunches, light dinners, meal prep or sharing with family and friends. Ready in under an hour, it's a delicious, nutritious meal that's both satisfying and refreshing.
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife Safely slices chicken and vegetables evenly.
- 1 Large Chopping Board: Provides a hygienic preparation surface.
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl Combines all salad ingredients without crushing them.
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl Ideal for whisking the dressing.
- 1 Large Skillet or Grill Pan – Cooks the chicken until beautifully browned.
- 1 Kitchen Tong - Makes turning chicken easy while cooking.
- 1 Digital Meat Thermometer – Ensures chicken reaches 75°C (165°F).
- 1 Large Serving Bowl or Platter – Perfect for presenting your Greek Chicken Salad beautifully.
Ingredients
- 900 g Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Chicken Thighs – The main protein that keeps Greek Chicken Salad filling and juicy.
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil – Used for marinating and cooking the chicken.
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds brightness to the marinade and dressing.
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder – Gives savoury depth.
- 2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano – Essential Mediterranean flavour.
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Dill – Adds fresh herbal notes.
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt – Enhances every ingredient.
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper – Adds gentle warmth.
- 2 Large Romaine Lettuces Chopped – Crisp and refreshing salad base.
- 250 g Cherry Tomatoes Halved – Sweet bursts of flavour.
- 1 Large Cucumber Sliced – Adds refreshing crunch.
- 1 Small Red Onion Thinly Sliced – Mild sharpness.
- 120 g Kalamata Olives – Signature Greek flavour.
- 150 g Feta Cheese Cubed – Creamy, salty richness.
- 1 Large Avocado Cubed – Creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Fresh Parsley – Bright garnish. – Bright garnish.
- Fresh Dill – Extra freshness.
Dressing
- 60 ml Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- ½ Teaspoon Oregano
- ½ Teaspoon Dill
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt And Black Pepper To Taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare And Marinate The Chicken 🍗
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper, then cut them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole if you prefer slicing after cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Add the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavour.
Step 2: Prepare The Fresh Vegetables 🥬
- While the chicken marinates, wash and dry all the vegetables thoroughly.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the cucumber into chunky half-moons.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- Cube the feta cheese.
- Dice the avocado just before assembling the salad to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- Set all the prepared ingredients aside.
Step 3: Make The Lemon Herb Dressing 🍋
- In a small mixing bowl or jar, whisk together 60 ml olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried dill, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste.
- Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Refrigerate until you're ready to assemble the salad.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken 🔥
- Heat a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.
- Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or 8–10 minutes in total, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing or adding it to the salad.
Step 5: Assemble The Salad 🥗
- Arrange the chopped romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl or platter.
- Evenly layer the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, diced avocado, and feta cheese over the lettuce.
- Scatter the cooked chicken across the top to create a colourful presentation.
Step 6: Add the Dressing and Garnish 🌿
- Drizzle the homemade lemon herb dressing evenly over the salad.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and dill.
- Add a little freshly cracked black pepper and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Step 7: Toss And Serve 🍽️
- Gently toss the salad just before serving to evenly coat every ingredient with the dressing while keeping the vegetables crisp.
- Serve immediately with warm pita bread, garlic bread, or your favourite Mediterranean side dish.
- Enjoy your fresh, flavour-packed Greek Chicken Salad while the chicken is warm and the vegetables are crisp.
Notes
- 🥗 Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, crisp vegetables and herbs make a noticeable difference to the flavour and texture of your Greek Chicken Salad.
- 🍗 Don't Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to keep it tender and juicy.
- 🍋 Fresh Lemon Juice Is Best: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most authentic Mediterranean flavour.
- 🌿 Marinate For More Flavour: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours) helps it absorb the herbs and seasoning.
- 🧀 Use Quality Feta Cheese: Authentic Greek feta provides the best creamy, tangy flavour compared to pre-crumbled varieties.
- 🥑 Add Avocado Last: Dice and add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- 🥣 Dress Before Serving: Toss the salad with the dressing immediately before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
- ❄️ Great For Meal Prep: Store the cooked chicken, vegetables and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days, then assemble when ready to eat.
- 🌶️ Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the dressing before serving and add extra salt, black pepper or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- 🍽️ Serve Fresh: Greek Chicken Salad is best enjoyed chilled on the day it is assembled for the freshest flavour and crunch.