Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki
This salad combines juicy grilled chicken with classic Greek flavors: crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, briny olives, and tangy feta, all tossed together and served with creamy homemade tzatziki. It’s light yet filling, making it ideal for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time (optional): 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Greek Salad:
2 cups romaine lettuce (or mixed greens), chopped
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cup cucumber, grated & squeezed dry
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill (or mint), chopped
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (optional for more flavor).
Grill the chicken:
Preheat grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat.
Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Make the tzatziki:
Mix yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until creamy. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta.
Drizzle with olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
Serve:
Divide salad into bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken.
Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki on the side or drizzle over the top.
Notes & Tips
For extra flavor, sprinkle salad with fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
Can swap lettuce for a base of orzo or quinoa for a heartier version.
Store leftover chicken and tzatziki separately to keep salad fresh.
Wrap leftovers in pita bread for a Greek-inspired sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
A: Yes—it tastes even better if chilled for at least 1 hour before serving.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free yogurt for tzatziki and skip or replace feta with a vegan option.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 490
Protein: 44g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g