Chicken Gyro Salad Recipe
Chicken Gyro Salad is a Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with bright, fresh flavors. It features tender, spiced chicken, crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a creamy tzatziki dressing. This is a healthy, protein-rich salad that captures the essence of a Greek gyro — without the pita!
Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including marination
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Chicken Marinade:
500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Salad Base:
6 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
1 large cucumber, sliced or chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 small bell pepper, sliced (optional)
For the Tzatziki Dressing:
½ cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and drained
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip bag.
Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours in the fridge.
2. Make the Tzatziki
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs.
Stir well, season to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl or plates, arrange greens, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and bell pepper.
Top with sliced chicken, crumbled feta, and a generous dollop of tzatziki.
Optional: drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
Tips
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or a touch of harissa.
For meal prep: store ingredients separately and assemble just before eating.
Add toasted pita chips or grilled pita wedges for crunch.
Make it a wrap by stuffing everything into a warm pita or flatbread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Use pre-cooked chicken and season with a little olive oil, lemon, oregano, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as no pita is included and ingredients are checked for hidden gluten.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free yogurt for the marinade and tzatziki, or substitute with lemon-olive oil dressing.
Q: How long will it keep?
A: The cooked chicken will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. Assemble the salad fresh for best texture.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 390 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Cholesterol: 90 mg
Calcium: ~150 mg
Iron: ~2 mg