10 Easy Greek Chicken Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Want a tasty meal that’s good for you? Try a Greek chicken salad! It’s quick to make and packed with flavor.

This guide shows you how to make Greek chicken salads that will make your taste buds happy. We share simple recipes anyone can make in minutes.

What’s in a Greek Chicken Salad?

A basic Greek chicken salad has:

• Veggies: Cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and peppers
• Chicken: Grilled or baked chicken breast
• Cheese: Crumbled feta
• Olives: Kalamata olives
• Herbs: Oregano, dill, or mint
• Dressing: Olive oil, vinegar, lemon, and garlic

“Greek chicken salad mixes protein with veggies and healthy fats. This makes a filling meal that’s loaded with good stuff,” says Elena Paravantes, a diet expert.

Here’s what goes in a typical serving:

Ingredient	Amount	Benefits
Veggies	2-3 cups	Fiber, vitamins
Chicken	3-4 oz	Protein, B vitamins
Feta cheese	1-2 oz	Calcium, protein
Olives	5-8 olives	Healthy fats
Dressing	1-2 tbsp	Healthy fats

Studies show meals like Greek chicken salad help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

Main Point: Greek chicken salad balances protein, fresh veggies, and good fats to make a complete, satisfying meal.

For those interested in exploring more Mediterranean-inspired meals, consider our collection of 12 Best Mediterranean Diet Dinners: Easy Meals You’ll Love.

Are Greek Salads Good for You?

Yes! Greek chicken salads are very healthy for several reasons:

1. Full of Nutrients

Each serving gives you:

• Protein from chicken (25-30g)
• Fiber from veggies (5-8g)
• Healthy fats from olive oil and olives
• Lots of vitamins and minerals

Studies show protein-rich salads make you feel 22% fuller than carb-based meals with the same calories.

2. Heart-Friendly

The ingredients help your heart:

• Olive oil: Has good fats that lower bad cholesterol
• Veggies: Give potassium for healthy blood pressure
• Herbs: Fight inflammation

Studies show Mediterranean eating cuts heart problems by 25% and stroke risk by 30%.

3. Helps Manage Weight

Greek chicken salad can help with weight because:

• Protein makes you feel full
• Fiber keeps you satisfied longer
• It has fewer calories than many meals
• It’s easy to control portions

Research shows people who eat Greek chicken salad eat 21% fewer calories at their next meal compared to grain-based dishes.

Expert Tip: “Greek chicken salad is perfect for weight management. The chicken keeps hunger away while veggies add bulk with few calories.”

— Dr. Sarah Thompson, Nutrition Expert

For more nutritious snack options that support weight management, consider our 15 Delicious Healthy Movie Snacks Better Than Theater Popcorn.

4. Keeps Blood Sugar Steady

The mix of foods helps steady blood sugar:

• Protein slows digestion
• Fiber reduces sugar spikes
• Healthy fats slow carb absorption

Studies show Mediterranean diets cut diabetes risk by 52%.

What’s the Main Thing in Greek Salad?

In a classic Greek salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese are the stars. When chicken is added, it becomes the main ingredient, turning a side dish into a full meal.

Food experts say fresh, quality ingredients make Greek salads special, not just one item.

The must-haves include:

1. Fresh veggies: Tomatoes and cucumbers as the base
2. Good olive oil: For authentic dressing
3. Feta cheese: For tangy flavor
4. Kalamata olives: For briny taste

For the best chicken, soak it in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano before cooking.

Fun Fact About Greek Salad

Original Greek salad (without chicken) is called “horiatiki,” meaning “village salad” – showing its humble farm roots.

Surprisingly, real Greek salads in Greece rarely have lettuce! They focus on tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers.

Greek salad came from necessity. Farmers took these simple foods to the fields for lunch because they wouldn’t spoil in the hot sun.

Adding chicken is mostly an American twist that turns the side dish into a main meal.

Fun Fact: “In Greece, salads are shared family-style, not served as individual portions. This shows the community spirit of Mediterranean eating.”

Why Greek Salad Matters

Greek salad is important for several reasons:

1. It Shows Cultural Food Traditions

Greek salad represents Mediterranean food values:

• Fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Simple cooking that lets natural flavors shine
• Good balance of food groups
• Celebration of local foods

2. It Teaches Healthy Eating

Greek salad shows what healthy eating looks like:

• Lots of plants
• Good fats
• Balanced meals
• Pattern for nutritious eating

People who eat Mediterranean-style salads tend to have better overall diets.

3. It’s Adaptable

Greek chicken salad shows how recipes can evolve:

• Keeps traditions while fitting modern needs
• Shows how to add protein to veggie dishes
• Teaches meal-building skills
• Blends different food styles

Chef’s View: “Greek salad teaches key cooking skills – balancing flavors (salty feta, tangy tomatoes, rich olive oil), textures, and colors. Adding chicken shows how to adapt classic recipes.”

— Chef Michael Psilakis, Greek Food Expert

What Herb Goes on Greek Salad?

The main herb in Greek chicken salad is oregano, especially Greek oregano, which has a stronger flavor than other types.

Studies show Greek oregano has up to 15-20 times more beneficial compounds than other varieties. These compounds fight bacteria and act as antioxidants.

Other herbs often used include:

• Dill: Adds brightness, works well with cucumber
• Mint: Gives a refreshing taste, great in summer
• Parsley: Used as a garnish or in dressing
• Thyme: Sometimes used in chicken marinades

For authentic flavor, use dried Greek oregano in the dressing and fresh herbs just before serving.

How to Season Chicken for Greek Salad

The best Greek chicken starts with a simple marinade. Use:

Easy Greek Chicken Marinade

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice: Juice of 1 lemon
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
• Oregano: 1-2 teaspoons
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Optional: yogurt (makes meat tender), paprika, thyme, or cinnamon

Studies show lemon juice creates tiny cracks in meat fibers, making chicken 9% juicier when cooked.

Chef Diane Kochilas suggests: “Let chicken soak for at least 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours is better. For meal prep, you can do this overnight.”

Cooking Tip: For juicy chicken breast, cook to 165°F, then rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

For more delicious and healthy recipes, you might enjoy our Delicious Keto Diet Salmon Recipes: Healthy, Low-Carb Meals.

10 Greek Chicken Salad Recipes

1. Classic Greek Chicken Salad

The basic version has:

• Grilled lemon-oregano chicken
• Romaine lettuce
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese
• Greek dressing

Nutrition: About 350 calories, 30g protein, and 7g fiber.

Meal Prep Tip: Cook chicken and chop veggies on Sunday. Store dressing separately and assemble fresh portions all week.

2. Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

This filling version includes:

• Whole wheat pasta
• Roasted chicken
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Bell peppers
• Red onion
• Olives and feta
• Yogurt-based dressing

Why it’s great: The pasta makes it more filling. The yogurt dressing adds protein with less oil.

Try This: Use orzo pasta for a Mediterranean touch.

For those seeking pasta options that are both satisfying and lower in calories, explore our 10 Best Low Calorie Pasta Options That Actually Taste Good.

3. Greek Chicken Grain Bowl

This modern take has:

• Quinoa or farro base
• Grilled chicken
• Cucumber and tomatoes
• Chickpeas
• Olives
• Feta cheese
• Tahini-yogurt dressing

Health bonus: Whole grains and chickpeas add 12-15g fiber per serving and give lasting energy.

Serving Idea: Warm in winter, chilled in summer.

For more high-protein snack ideas that can complement your meals, consider our 17 Best High Protein Snacks That Actually Boost Energy.

4. Meal Prep Greek Chicken Salad Jars

Perfect for busy people:

• Layered in mason jars (dressing on bottom)
• Greek dressing
• Tomatoes and cucumbers
• Peppers and red onion
• Olives
• Chicken
• Feta on top

Time-saver: These stay fresh for 4 days in the fridge and are grab-and-go ready.

Assembly Tip: Layer from wettest to driest. Put dressing at bottom and greens at top to prevent sogginess.

5. Greek Chicken Pita Pockets

A hand-held lunch option:

• Whole grain pita bread
• Greek chicken
• Tomatoes and cucumber
• Red onion
• Feta cheese
• Olives
• Tzatziki sauce

Kid-friendly: The sandwich format appeals to children – a great way to introduce new flavors.

Serving Tip: Warm the pita slightly before filling to make it more flexible.

6. Greek Chicken Salad with Avocado

A California-Mediterranean blend:

• Romaine lettuce
• Grilled chicken
• Tomatoes and cucumber
• Red onion
• Avocado slices
• Feta cheese
• Olives
• Light Greek dressing

Health upgrade: Avocado adds good fats and makes the meal more filling.

Nutrition Note: “Avocado helps you feel fuller and helps your body absorb vitamins from the vegetables,” explains dietitian Elizabeth Ward.

7. Rotisserie Chicken Greek Salad

The ultimate quick option:

• Store-bought rotisserie chicken
• Mixed greens
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Bell pepper
• Red onion
• Olives
• Feta cheese
• Quick Greek dressing

Time-saving: Using rotisserie chicken cuts prep time to just 10 minutes – perfect for busy nights.

Shopping Tip: Choose herb or lemon-flavored rotisserie chicken rather than barbecue.

8. Greek Chicken Salad with Watermelon

A refreshing summer option:

• Grilled chicken
• Spinach or mixed greens
• Watermelon cubes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Mint leaves
• Feta cheese
• Lemon-olive oil dressing

Summer benefit: Watermelon adds hydration and sweetness, perfect for hot days.

Chef’s Tip: “Sweet watermelon with salty feta is a classic Greek pairing that balances flavors perfectly,” says Chef Maria Loi.

9. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A creamy no-mayo version:

• Diced chicken
• Greek yogurt
• Cucumber
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Dill and oregano
• Lemon juice
• Feta cheese

Health plus: Greek yogurt adds protein and calcium with much less fat than mayo.

Serving Ideas: Enjoy in lettuce cups, on bread, or with veggie sticks.

10. Warm Greek Chicken Salad

Perfect for cool weather:

• Warm sliced chicken
• Roasted peppers and onions
• Wilted spinach
• Warm olives
• Feta cheese
• Olive oil, lemon, and oregano dressing

Winter-friendly: This warm version is more appealing during colder months.

Prep Tip: Serve chicken and roasted veggies warm over room-temp greens to gently wilt them.

Easy Greek Salad Dressing

The dressing makes the salad! Here’s how to make it:

Simple Greek Dressing Recipe

What you need:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (helps mix)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: lemon juice squeeze

How to make it:

1. Put everything in a jar
2. Shake well
3. Let sit for 10 minutes for flavors to blend

Studies show olive oil and vinegar dressing cuts post-meal blood sugar spikes by 30%.

Quality Tip: “The best Greek dressing starts with good olive oil. Look for cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil with a harvest date,” says olive oil expert Nancy Jenkins.

How to Build the Perfect Greek Chicken Salad

1. Prep Each Part Right

For the best results:

• Cook chicken properly: Grill or roast to 165°F, then rest before slicing
• Salt tomatoes first: This draws out water before adding to the salad
• Soak onions: Put sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes to make them milder
• Keep parts separate: Mix just before serving for best texture

Studies show salting veggies for 15 minutes cuts water leakage by 42%, keeping salads crisper.

2. Mix Flavors and Textures

The best Greek chicken salad has:

• Crunchy things: Cucumbers, peppers
• Juicy things: Tomatoes
• Salty things: Olives, capers
• Creamy things: Feta cheese
• Fragrant things: Herbs, onion
• Filling things: Chicken, beans, or grains

Studies show varied-flavor foods are rated 30% tastier than simple foods.

3. Use Fresh Seasonal Ingredients

Change your salad with the seasons:

• Summer: Use ripe tomatoes, cucumber, watermelon
• Fall: Add roasted peppers and heartier greens
• Winter: Serve warm with roasted veggies
• Spring: Use spring onions and tender greens

In-season tomatoes have up to 200% more nutrients than off-season ones.

Green Tip: “Seasonal, local produce tastes better and is better for the planet,” explains food expert Dr. Jennifer Wilkins.

Make Greek Chicken Salad Part of Your Healthy Diet

Greek chicken salad gives you great nutrition, flavor, and convenience all in one dish. It combines lean protein, fresh veggies, and healthy fats for a meal that keeps you satisfied.

Whether you need a quick lunch, make-ahead meals, or a healthy dinner, Greek chicken salad fits the bill.

Start with the classic recipe, then try different versions to find your favorite. Remember that good ingredients make all the difference.

With its Mediterranean roots and modern flexibility, Greek chicken salad deserves a regular spot in your meal plans – proof that healthy eating can be truly delicious.

This article was reviewed by Elena Paravantes, RD, Mediterranean Diet Expert and founder of OliveTomato.com.