There’s something irresistibly fresh and satisfying about this Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe. It perfectly balances tangy lemon, garlicky goodness, and that salty feta magic—making it a winner for easy dinners or summer lunches you'll crave again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe countless times, especially when summer hits, and each time it reminds me why it’s such a keeper: it’s bright, flavorful, and quick enough even for hectic weeknights.
- Fresh and vibrant: The combination of crisp veggies, zesty vinaigrette, and creamy feta delivers a feast of textures and flavors.
- Quick and simple: Ready in about 30 minutes, which means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or swap pita for a lighter option, so it suits your mood or pantry.
- Perfectly balanced protein: The grilled chicken adds just the right amount of satisfying substance without weighing you down.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe plays a role in bringing that classic Mediterranean vibe to your plate. Plus, simple pantry staples join forces with fresh veggies to make something that feels special but is actually quite effortless.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a fruity base for the dressing that’s quintessentially Greek.
- Fresh lemon juice: Highlights bright acidity that balances the creamy feta and warm chicken beautifully.
- Garlic: Brings that unmistakable savory kick, blending seamlessly into the dressing.
- Dried oregano: A classic herb that reminds me of sunny Mediterranean gardens.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing so it clings to everything perfectly.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each component so all flavors pop.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets: Cooks quickly on the grill and absorbs the marinade like a charm for juicy, tender bites.
- English cucumber: Crisp and refreshing with mild flavor; peel if the skin is thick or waxed.
- Vine-ripened tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add that summery burst in every forkful.
- Green bell pepper: Offers crunch and a slightly grassy note that brightens the salad.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness without overpowering.
- Feta cheese: The star of the show—crumbly, tangy, and just salty enough to take every bite up a notch.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For freshness and color, I add this when I have it on hand.
- Grilled pita bread (optional): Great for scooping up salad or adding some smoky carbs to your plate.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about making this Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes or what’s in your kitchen. I always encourage you to make it your own—it keeps the recipe fun and flexible.
- Variation: I’ve experimented adding kalamata olives or swapping the chicken for grilled shrimp when I want a seafood twist, and both are fantastic.
- Make it vegan: Skip the chicken and feta, add chickpeas and a plant-based cheese alternative for a fresh meatless option.
- Spicy kick: Sometimes I sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle harissa-infused olive oil to give it a little heat.
- Seasonal swaps: In cooler months, roasted veggies like zucchini and bell pepper work beautifully in place of raw.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Zesty Dressing
Start by combining the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Give it a good shake until everything is emulsified. This tangy dressing doubles as a marinade, which is such a handy trick I’ve come to love—it saves time and layers flavor beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breast cutlets in a large bowl and pour in half of the dressing. Toss to coat thoroughly using tongs, and set aside for just 5 minutes. Trust me, even this short time gives the chicken a lovely lemon-garlic kick without making it mushy—a common mistake I’ve learned to avoid after over-marinating in the past.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until beautifully golden with crisp char marks and an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes—this step keeps the meat juicy and makes slicing much easier.
Step 4: Prep the Veggies
While the chicken rests, chop the English cucumber, tomatoes, and green bell pepper into bite-sized, roughly ¾-inch chunks. Thinly slice the red onion so it adds just a hint of sharpness without overwhelming the salad.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Cut the rested chicken into chunks and toss it into a large bowl with the chopped veggies and crumbled feta. Pour over the remaining dressing, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’ve got it, and give everything a gentle toss. Serve it alongside warm grilled pita bread if you like—this makes it feel extra special and perfect for scooping up each bite.
Top Tip
My experience with this Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe has taught me a few tricks that make a big difference in taste and texture, especially if you want it to shine like it does when you order it at a great Mediterranean spot.
- Marinate briefly: Don’t overdo the marinating—five minutes is enough for cutlets to soak in flavor without drying out or getting rubbery.
- Rest your chicken: Always let the chicken rest before slicing so juices redistribute and your pieces stay tender and juicy.
- Fresh veggies matter: Choose ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best crunch and sweetness; avoid soggy or old produce.
- Dress last: Add the remaining dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from getting soggy.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this salad with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness and a few whole kalamata olives if I have them on hand—those little bursts of briny flavor are magical alongside the creamy feta and grilled chicken. Sometimes, a dash of freshly cracked black pepper on top brightens every forkful.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with some grilled pita bread for scooping, roasted potatoes if you want something heartier, or even a light bowl of lemony quinoa. When I’ve served it for friends, a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon always rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, I’ve laid out this Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe in individual mason jars with some grilled pita on the side. It looks inviting and keeps things tidy, plus guests love the personal touch. Another fun presentation is scooping it into buttery lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option perfect for summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, I store leftover Greek Chicken Salad with Feta in an airtight container in the fridge where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The salad might soften a bit as the dressing continues to soak in, so if you can, add the feta and dressing fresh before serving leftovers for the best texture.
Freezing
This salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing since the fresh veggies and dressing lose their crispness and texture. Instead, I freeze extra grilled chicken separately and add freshly chopped vegetables when I’m ready to eat.
Reheating
If you’re reheating leftovers with chicken, I suggest warming the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave just until heated through—don’t overdo it, or it can dry out. Then toss with fresh veggies and feta added that day for best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance and store it separately in the fridge. I usually chop the veggies fresh to keep them crisp and toss everything together just before serving to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken cutlets for about 4-5 minutes per side until they have nice grill marks and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Let them rest before slicing for juicy results.
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta or want a milder flavor, try using goat cheese or even a firm mozzarella. Just keep in mind that feta’s saltiness and crumbly texture complement the salad uniquely, so alternatives will change the flavor profile slightly.
Yes, this Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you skip serving it with pita bread or choose gluten-free pita. Everything else—chicken, veggies, dressing, and cheese—is gluten-free and delicious on its own!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe has become my go-to for days when I want something hearty yet fresh, bright, and satisfying. It’s full of flavor, easy to whip up, and you can personalize it so many ways. I hope you love making it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a little culinary vacation right in your own kitchen.
Print
Greek Chicken Salad with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This 30-minute Greek-inspired dinner features juicy grilled chicken marinated in a lemony, garlicky vinaigrette, tossed with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and salty feta cheese. It's a vibrant, healthy, and easy meal perfect for summer evenings, served with optional grilled pita bread.
Ingredients
For the Dressing and Marinade
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Chicken and Salad
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
- 1 English cucumber
- 3 to 4 vine-ripened tomatoes
- 1 green bell pepper
- ¼ red onion
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional)
- Grilled pita bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Shake vigorously until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken cutlets in a large bowl and pour in half of the vinaigrette. Toss the chicken with tongs to coat completely. Let it marinate for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook until golden brown with nice grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken rests, chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and green bell pepper into ¾-inch chunks. Thinly slice the red onion.
- Assemble the Salad: Cut the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large serving bowl. Add the chopped vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, remaining half of the vinaigrette, and chopped parsley if using. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and coat with dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately with optional grilled pita bread on the side. Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- The lemony vinaigrette doubles as both a marinade for the chicken and a bright dressing for the salad, lending fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Use fresh, ripe vegetables for the best texture and taste.
- If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or broil it in the oven.
- Optional parsley adds a fresh herbaceous note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Grilled pita bread is a perfect accompaniment but can be served plain or toasted.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days to maintain freshness and safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 676 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 836 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 31 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 61 g
- Cholesterol: 178 mg
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