Mediterranean Chicken Salad Bowl with Garlic Yogurt and Harissa Drizzle

Mediterranean Chicken Salad Bowl with Garlic Yogurt and Harissa Drizzle

This vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Salad Bowl bursts with flavor, color, and texture. Juicy grilled chicken seasoned with bold Mediterranean spices sits atop a bed of crisp shredded lettuce, red onions, and ripe tomatoes. It’s drizzled with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce and a spicy harissa or sriracha drizzle for balance. Perfect for meal prep, light dinners, or healthy lunches, this bowl is satisfying, high in protein, and loaded with fresh ingredients.

Time Required

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2–3 bowls

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

Juice of 1/2 lemon

For the Salad Base:

2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce

1 cup shredded green cabbage (optional for crunch)

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

1–2 tomatoes, sliced

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt to taste

Water to thin, if needed

Optional Drizzle:

Harissa paste or sriracha (for a spicy kick)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred.

Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

Add water 1 tsp at a time to reach drizzling consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

In each bowl, layer shredded lettuce, cabbage (if using), red onion, and tomato slices.

Top with grilled chicken slices.

Drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce and harissa/sriracha.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

 

Tips for Best Results

Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best. This enhances the flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

Char for Flavor

Use a cast iron skillet or grill pan to get that beautiful char on the chicken. It gives a smoky, grilled flavor that adds depth to the bowl.

Balance the Dressing

Taste the garlic yogurt sauce before serving. Add a little honey if it’s too tangy, or more lemon juice if it needs brightness.

Slice Chicken Thin

Slice the chicken thinly against the grain after resting. This makes it more tender and easier to eat in a salad.

Serve Warm or Cold

This bowl is delicious with warm chicken, but equally great cold — making it perfect for meal prep.

Drizzle Right Before Serving

Add the yogurt and hot sauce drizzles just before serving to maintain freshness and presentation.

Variations

Base Variations:

Grains Instead of Greens:

Swap the lettuce and cabbage with cooked quinoa, couscous, bulgur wheat, or brown rice for a heartier grain bowl.

Add Pita or Flatbread Chips:

For crunch, add toasted pita triangles or crispy chickpeas.

Protein Variations:

Lamb or Beef:

Use Mediterranean-spiced ground beef or lamb kebabs instead of chicken.

Falafel or Chickpeas (Vegetarian):

Pan-fried or baked falafel or roasted chickpeas with the same spices make this bowl fully vegetarian.

Grilled Shrimp:

Swap chicken for grilled shrimp marinated with lemon, garlic, and smoked paprika.

Sauce Variations:

Tzatziki:

Replace garlic yogurt with tzatziki (add cucumber and dill).

Hummus Dressing:

Thin out your favorite hummus with lemon juice and water for a creamy alternative.

Tahini Drizzle:

Combine tahini, garlic, lemon, and water for a nutty, earthy drizzle.

Toppings Ideas:

Sliced Kalamata olives

Feta crumbles

Pickled red onions

Cucumber ribbons

Sun-dried tomatoes

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I meal prep this salad in advance?

A: Yes! Store the components separately (chicken, dressing, and salad base). Combine and drizzle sauces just before eating for best texture.

Q2: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

A: Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until fully cooked, then broil for 2–3 minutes to get a crispy char.

Q3: Is this bowl spicy?

A: The base bowl is not spicy. Spice only comes from the optional harissa or sriracha drizzle — adjust to your liking.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?

A: Yes. Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt, or use tahini dressing instead.

Q5: How do I keep the veggies fresh?

A: Store chopped lettuce and tomatoes in airtight containers lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and prevent wilting.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving – 1 Bowl)

Based on 1 of 2 servings with chicken, veggies, garlic yogurt, and harissa.

Calories: ~420 kcal

Protein: 38g

Carbohydrates: 12g

Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 5g

Fat: 25g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Cholesterol: 90mg

Sodium: 420mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredients and portions used.

 Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken Salad Bowl is a vibrant and nutrient-dense meal that satisfies with its balanced combination of protein, crunch, spice, and creamy tang. The smoky grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the crisp fresh veggies and cool garlic yogurt, while the harissa or sriracha adds just the right amount of heat. It’s versatile, customizable, and perfect for those seeking a healthy yet indulgent Mediterranean-inspired dish.