This Greek Salad with Chicken is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it perfect for meal prep or a light dinner. Fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and juicy chicken come together in this vibrant dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply want a nutritious lunch option, this salad will impress with its Mediterranean flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 14 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and lean protein, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite protein for added variety.
- Flavorful Dressing: The homemade Greek vinaigrette elevates the salad, balancing tangy and savory notes perfectly.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Ideal for lunches throughout the week; just store the components separately until ready to eat.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large serving bowl
- Small canning jar
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large serving bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients without making a mess.
- Small canning jar: Perfect for shaking up the dressing to ensure it’s well combined.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertop while providing a sturdy surface for cutting.
Ingredients
This delicious Greek salad topped with Greek marinated chicken is the best for meal-prepped lunches or light dinners. Top it with kalamata olives, feta cheese, crunchy cucumbers, and my Mediterranean tomato salad with an easy Greek vinaigrette dressing.
For the Salad
- 6 cups chopped lettuce, such as iceberg or romaine
- 1 8-ounce Greek Marinated Chicken Breast
- 2 cups Mediterranean Tomato Salad or sliced tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced Persian or hothouse cucumber
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, broken into chunks
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Greek Salad with Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Add the lettuce to a large serving bowl or two individual salad bowls. Top with the sliced chicken, tomato salad, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
To make the dressing:
1. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, sugar, and salt and pepper to a small canning jar.
2. Top with the lid and shake well until blended and emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more sugar and salt if necessary.
Step 3: Assemble Your Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad components. Toss everything gently to combine flavors before serving.
Enjoy your refreshing Greek Salad with Chicken! It’s not just delicious but also healthy—perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Greek Salad with Chicken
Serving Greek salad with chicken can transform your meal into a delightful experience. This dish is not only nutritious but also visually appealing. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it!
Lunch Bowls
- A perfect option for meal prep, these bowls can be assembled in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Dinner Plates
- Serve the salad on large dinner plates and enjoy it as a light main course. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Picnic Delight
- Pack individual servings in mason jars for an easy and portable picnic option. Layer the ingredients to keep them fresh until serving.
Appetizer Style
- Present smaller portions as an appetizer for gatherings. Use elegant serving dishes to impress your guests.
How to Perfect Greek Salad with Chicken
To elevate your Greek salad with chicken, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality feta cheese enhance the flavors of this salad.
- Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate longer for deeper flavor absorption—ideally overnight.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize Your Dressing: Adjust the vinaigrette by adding lemon juice or herbs like basil for a personal touch.
- Add Crunch: Toss in some nuts or seeds for added texture and nutritional value.
Best Side Dishes for Greek Salad with Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Greek salad can complement its flavors beautifully. Here are some great options to consider:
- Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread is great for dipping into the dressing or enjoying alongside the salad.
- Hummus: Creamy hummus adds protein and pairs well with fresh veggies from your salad.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based sauce enhances Mediterranean flavors and serves as a refreshing dip.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add a smoky taste that contrasts nicely with the freshness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf brings additional nutrients while still keeping your meal light and healthy.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make a hearty side that balances out the freshness of the salad.
- Feta-Stuffed Peppers: Mini bell peppers stuffed with feta cheese blend perfectly with Mediterranean flavors.
- Olive Tapenade: A flavorful olive tapenade spread can serve as a zesty addition to your meal, enhancing every bite of salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Greek salad with chicken can be simple, but there are common mistakes to avoid for the best flavor and texture.
- Using wilted lettuce – Freshness is key. Always choose crisp, vibrant greens to ensure a satisfying crunch.
- Skipping the marinade – Marinating the chicken adds flavor. Don’t skip this step; let it soak up the herbs and spices.
- Overdressing the salad – A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed to avoid sogginess.
- Forgetting about salt – Salt enhances flavors. Be sure to season all components, including your tomatoes and cucumbers, for the best taste.
- Neglecting ingredient balance – Balance is important. Make sure you have an even distribution of all ingredients for every bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Freezing Greek Salad with Chicken
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh vegetables after thawing.
- If necessary, freeze only the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Reheating Greek Salad with Chicken
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm.
- Microwave – Heat chicken on medium power in short intervals until heated through. Avoid overheating.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Greek salad with chicken.
Can I use other proteins in my Greek salad?
Yes! Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
What is the best type of lettuce for Greek Salad with Chicken?
Romaine or iceberg lettuce are both excellent choices due to their crisp texture and mild flavor.
How can I customize my Greek Salad with Chicken?
You can add additional toppings like bell peppers, avocado, or different cheeses based on your preferences!
What dressing pairs best with Greek Salad with Chicken?
A simple vinaigrette made from olive oil and red wine vinegar complements this salad beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Greek salad with chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy it as a meal prep option for lunches or light dinners. Give it a try, and you’ll love how easy it is to make!
Greek Salad with Chicken
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Greek Salad with Chicken, a perfect balance of freshness and nutrition. This delightful dish features crisp lettuce, juicy marinated chicken, crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and kalamata olives, all tossed together with a zesty homemade dressing. Ideal for meal prep or a light dinner, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients that provide essential nutrients. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or seeking a healthy lunch option, this Mediterranean-inspired salad will impress your taste buds and nourish your body.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 1 8-ounce Greek marinated chicken breast
- 2 cups Mediterranean tomato salad or sliced tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced Persian or hothouse cucumber
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (broken into chunks)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (peeled and minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, add the chopped lettuce as the base.
- Layer on the sliced chicken breast, tomato salad or sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small canning jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake until well blended.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
