Name: Greek Salad with Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 6 cups chopped lettuce (iceberg or romaine); 1 8-ounce Greek marinated chicken breast; 2 cups Mediterranean tomato salad or sliced tomatoes; 1 cup sliced Persian cucumber; 1/4 cup kalamata olives; 1/4 cup feta cheese; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup red apple vinegar; 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

This Greek Salad with Chicken is a delightful dish perfect for meal-prepped lunches or light dinners. Bursting with fresh flavors, it combines Greek marinated chicken with crunchy vegetables and a delicious vinaigrette dressing. Enjoy this vibrant salad at any gathering or simply as a healthy meal option during busy weekdays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad takes only 14 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Fresh Ingredients: Packed with vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, it’s a refreshing option that offers great taste and nutrition.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at gatherings.
Healthy Option: Low in calories and high in flavor, this salad supports your health goals without sacrificing taste.
Delicious Dressing: The homemade vinaigrette elevates the salad with zesty flavors that complement the chicken perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

To make the most of your Greek Salad with Chicken, having the right tools on hand can streamline your process and enhance your culinary experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large serving bowl
Small canning jar
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large serving bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
Small canning jar: Ideal for shaking up your dressing to ensure all ingredients are well blended.
Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing vegetables cleanly and safely.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping, ensuring safety while preparing your ingredients.

Ingredients

This delicious Greek salad topped with Greek marinated chicken is the best for meal prepped lunches or light dinners. Top it with kalamata olives, feta cheese, crunchy cucumbers, and my Mediterranean tomato salad with an easy Greek vinaigrette dressing.

For the Salad

6 cups chopped lettuce, such as iceberg or romaine
1 8-ounce Greek Marinated Chicken Breast
2 cups Mediterranean Tomato Salad or sliced tomatoes
1 cup sliced Persian or hothouse cucumber
1/4 cup kalamata olives
1/4 cup feta cheese, broken into chunks

For the Dressing

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red apple vinegar
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to Make Greek Salad with Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Add the chopped lettuce to a large serving bowl or divide it into two individual salad bowls.
Layer on top the sliced chicken breast, followed by the Mediterranean tomato salad (or sliced tomatoes), cucumber slices, kalamata olives, and feta cheese chunks.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small canning jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red apple vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Secure the lid on the jar tightly and shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and emulsified. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over your prepared salad.
Toss gently to combine all components evenly, allowing every bite to be flavorful.

Enjoy your refreshing Greek Salad with Chicken!

How to Serve Greek Salad with Chicken

Greek salad with chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

For a Light Meal

Serve in Individual Bowls: Present each salad in its own bowl for a personal touch, perfect for lunch gatherings.
Add Grilled Vegetables: Enhance the flavor by adding grilled bell peppers or zucchini as a side.

As a Main Course

Pair with Quinoa: Serve alongside fluffy quinoa to make the meal heartier and nutritious.
Top with Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices on top for extra richness and healthy fats.

For Meal Prep

Pack in Mason Jars: Layer ingredients in jars for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Keep Dressing Separate: Store the dressing in a small container to prevent sogginess until you’re ready to eat.

For a Family Gathering

Create a Salad Bar: Set up a DIY salad bar with toppings and dressings so everyone can customize their bowls.
Serve with Pita Bread: Offer warm pita bread on the side for dipping and scooping up the salad.

How to Perfect Greek Salad with Chicken

Perfecting your Greek salad with chicken is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to make it truly outstanding.

Bold Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for maximum flavor.
Marinate Chicken Ahead: Marinate your chicken breast overnight to infuse it with robust flavors before grilling or baking.
Season Wisely: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning; every ingredient deserves its moment of flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or mint to add brightness and enhance visual appeal.
Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill for 10-15 minutes before serving to meld the flavors beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Salad with Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Greek salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish perfectly.

Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing yogurt-based dip made with cucumber and garlic, perfect for adding creaminess.
Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices provide an excellent protein-packed crunch.
Pita Chips: Crispy pita chips are great for dipping into tzatziki or simply enjoying alongside the salad.
Mediterranean Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs, nuts, and dried fruits adds depth and texture to your meal.
Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These vine-wrapped rice rolls are flavorful bites that pair well with Greek flavors.
Grilled Eggplant Slices: Smoky grilled eggplant adds earthy richness that complements the freshness of the salad.
Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus flavors served with assorted veggies makes for a colorful appetizer spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Greek Salad with Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

Using the wrong lettuce: Choose crisp varieties like romaine or iceberg for the best texture and flavor. Avoid wilted or bitter greens.
Skipping the marinade: Marinating your chicken enhances its flavor significantly. Don’t skip this step or rush the process.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can overwhelm the fresh ingredients. Start with a little and add more as needed.
Neglecting seasoning: Seasoning is key! Be sure to taste and adjust salt, pepper, and sugar in both the salad and dressing.
Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Always use ripe tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers for a vibrant salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover Greek Salad with Chicken in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Greek Salad with Chicken

While freezing is not recommended for salads due to texture changes, you can freeze leftover chicken separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating Greek Salad with Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm chicken on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals until warm, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about preparing Greek Salad with Chicken:

What can I substitute for feta cheese in Greek Salad with Chicken?

You can use crumbled goat cheese or even vegan feta alternatives if you’re looking to modify the recipe while maintaining similar flavors.

How do I make my own Greek vinaigrette?

Combine olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well until combined—simple and delicious!

Can I prepare Greek Salad with Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop your veggies and marinate your chicken ahead of time. Just wait to add the dressing until right before serving.

What other proteins work well in Greek Salad?

Besides chicken, you can use grilled shrimp, beef strips, or even chickpeas for a plant-based option that pairs beautifully with the salad’s flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Salad with Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing make it perfect for meal prep or light dinners. Feel free to customize it by adding other veggies or swapping out proteins according to your preference!