Greek chicken salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean goodness. With olives, cucumbers, feta, and a zesty dressing, it’s everything you love in one bowl. It’s healthy, hearty, and always a hit.
Ingredients List
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Juice of 1 lemon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and kalamata olives.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Add the sliced grilled chicken to the bowl with the vegetables. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the salad to a wide, low bowl for serving. Serve immediately with additional olive oil on the side if desired.
Ways to Improve It
1. Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for extra flavor before grilling.
2. Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.
3. Use a mix of green and black olives for a varied taste profile.
4. Incorporate roasted red peppers for an additional layer of flavor.
5. Top with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
What to Serve With This Meal
This Greek chicken salad pairs well with warm pita bread or garlic breadsticks as a side dish. You might also consider serving it alongside a bowl of tzatziki sauce for dipping. For a more filling meal, accompany it with a side of roasted potatoes or quinoa.
Substitutions
1. Replace feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
2. Substitute grilled tofu for chicken to make it vegetarian.
3. Use white wine vinegar in place of lemon juice for a different acidity profile.
4. Swap kalamata olives with green olives if preferred.
Recipe Variations
1. Add cooked quinoa or bulgur to make it more filling.
2. Include avocado slices for added creaminess and nutrients.
3. Turn it into a wrap by using large lettuce leaves or flatbread.
4. Add artichoke hearts for an additional Mediterranean twist.
