Mediterranean Turkish Chicken Salad
This salad features juicy Turkish-spiced grilled chicken, crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs over a bed of greens, all brought together with a cooling yogurt and lemon dressing. It’s vibrant, protein-packed, and full of Mediterranean charm.
⏱️ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 15–20 minutes
Total: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
500g (1.1 lb) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into strips
2 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp sumac (optional but authentic)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Salad Base:
2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
1 cup cucumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
2 tbsp toasted walnuts or almonds (optional)
For the Yogurt Lemon Dressing:
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tbsp chopped dill or parsley
️ Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices.
2. Add chicken strips, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 12 hours in the fridge).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 4–5 mins per side until charred and cooked through.
Pan: Cook in a hot skillet with a drizzle of oil until golden and cooked through.
Let rest, then slice into strips.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
1. In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Thin with water if needed for drizzling consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, layer greens, cucumber, tomato, onion, parsley, and mint.
2. Top with warm chicken slices.
3. Drizzle with yogurt dressing.
4. Sprinkle with feta and nuts if using.
Tips & Notes
Sumac adds authentic Turkish tang — substitute with a bit of extra lemon juice if you don’t have it.
Add grilled pita or lavash on the side.
Great for meal prep: keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Just don’t overcook — breast cooks faster and can dry out.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or falafel instead of chicken.
What other veggies can I add?
Roasted eggplant, pickled red cabbage, or shredded carrots would all work beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 360
Protein: 33g
Carbs: 9g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g