Greek-Style Chicken Salad

This Greek-style chicken salad transforms ordinary ingredients into a vibrant, nutritious meal that perfectly balances fresh vegetables with tender grilled chicken and creamy tzatziki. The Mediterranean flavors blend beautifully, creating a light yet satisfying dish ideal for lunch or dinner any time of year.

I first created this salad during a particularly hot summer when turning on the oven seemed unbearable. The combination of cool vegetables and warm chicken became an instant hit with my family and has remained in our regular rotation ever since.

Ingredients

• Grilled chicken breast provides lean protein that keeps you satisfied longer choose organic free range for the best flavor
• Yellow cherry tomatoes offer a sweeter flavor profile than their red counterparts and add beautiful color contrast
• Red cherry tomatoes bring a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness look for vine ripened for maximum flavor
• Kalamata and green olives deliver that distinctive Mediterranean brininess and healthy fats
• Sliced cucumber adds refreshing crunch and hydration select firm cucumbers with minimal seeds
• Sliced red onion provides a sharp pungent note that balances the other ingredients soak in ice water to reduce intensity if desired
• Greek yogurt or tzatziki contributes creaminess and tangy flavor homemade tzatziki elevates this dish tremendously
• Fresh parsley brightens the entire dish with its clean herbal notes
• Black sesame seeds add subtle nutty flavor and visual contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with olive oil salt pepper and dried oregano. Grill over medium high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into strips. This resting period keeps the chicken juicy.

Prepare the Vegetables

Slice cherry tomatoes in half. Cut cucumber into quarter moons about ¼ inch thick. Thinly slice red onion into half rings. Drain and halve the olives if particularly large. The uniform cutting ensures balanced flavor in each bite.

Assemble the Base

In a large serving bowl or on individual plates arrange cucumber slices in a ring around the edge. Layer sliced onions next creating a flavor foundation. The strategic arrangement ensures you get a bit of everything in each forkful.

Add Proteins and Accents

Place sliced chicken in an attractive pattern over the vegetables. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and olives throughout. This arrangement creates a beautiful color palette while ensuring flavor balance.

Finish with Sauce and Garnishes

Spoon Greek yogurt or tzatziki in the center of the arrangement. Sprinkle the entire dish with freshly chopped parsley and black sesame seeds if using. The cool creamy sauce creates the perfect counterpoint to the vegetables and protein.

Save

The tzatziki sauce is truly the heart of this dish for me. I remember traveling through Greece years ago and watching a restaurant owner prepare it with freshly grated cucumber that had been carefully squeezed of excess moisture. That attention to detail created the most incredible tzatziki I had ever tasted and inspired my approach to this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad components can be prepared individually up to two days in advance. Store the grilled chicken cucumber tomatoes and onions separately in airtight containers. The tzatziki can be made up to three days ahead and actually improves in flavor over time. Simply assemble just before serving for the freshest presentation. This preparation strategy has saved countless weeknight dinners in my household.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this salad pairs beautifully with warm pita bread or pita chips for scooping. For a more substantial meal serve alongside a simple rice pilaf or roasted lemon potatoes. During summer months I often bring this to potlucks and picnics where it consistently disappears first. Just remember to keep it properly chilled if serving outdoors.

Dietary Adaptations

This versatile recipe easily accommodates various dietary needs. For a vegetarian version simply substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or firm tofu marinated in lemon and oregano. Those following keto diets will appreciate that this meal is naturally low in carbohydrates. For dairy free diners replace the Greek yogurt with a coconut yogurt based tzatziki alternative. The fundamental Mediterranean flavors remain delicious regardless of these modifications.

Recipe FAQs

→ What can I substitute for tzatziki if I don't have any?

If you don't have tzatziki, plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little minced garlic, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and dill makes a quick substitute. In a pinch, plain Greek yogurt with just lemon juice and salt works too. For a dairy-free option, try hummus thinned with a little olive oil and lemon juice.

→ How can I meal prep this Greek-style chicken salad?

For meal prep, grill and slice the chicken ahead of time and store separately. Prepare all vegetables and keep them in separate containers. When ready to eat, assemble the salad with the fresh ingredients and add the tzatziki or yogurt just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.

→ What's the best way to grill the chicken for maximum flavor?

For the most flavorful grilled chicken, marinate it first in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and salt for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). Grill over medium-high heat (about 375-450°F) for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

→ Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, chickpeas, or marinated tofu. For a vegan version, use chickpeas or tofu and substitute the tzatziki with a dairy-free alternative made from plant-based yogurt or hummus. The Mediterranean vegetables and olives still provide plenty of authentic Greek flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this Greek-style chicken salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, a simple lemon-olive oil dressed grain like quinoa or orzo, or roasted lemon potatoes. For a complete Greek-themed meal, serve with dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), spanakopita triangles, or a small cup of avgolemono (Greek lemon chicken soup).

→ How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

If you've already assembled the salad with dressing, it's best consumed within 24 hours. For better longevity, store the components separately: cooked chicken will last 3-4 days, cut vegetables 2-3 days, and tzatziki about 5-7 days in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before eating for the freshest experience.