Greek Chicken Salad
A flavorful Greek Chicken Salad combining tender chicken, fresh cucumbers, crumbled feta, ripe olives, and parsley, all coated in a creamy garlic herb dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it offers vibrant Mediterranean flavors and pairs well with lettuce or pita for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cubed chicken breast ⓘ
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 1 1/4 cups crumbled Feta cheese ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sliced pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise with 1 to 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- Boston lettuce leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken breast, chopped cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and chopped parsley; set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, plain yogurt, and crushed oregano to make the dressing.
- Add the dressing to the chicken mixture.
- Toss lightly until all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Cover and chill the salad before serving.
- Serve on Boston lettuce leaves or with whole wheat pita.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with additional yogurt or sour cream. You can also use grilled chicken for added flavor, or swap feta with goat cheese for a different taste. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine vinegar to the dressing. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well as a shortcut.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Chicken Salad is perfect on its own or served on a bed of Boston lettuce leaves. Pair it with whole wheat pita for a complete meal. It also complements Mediterranean recipes beautifully, making it a great addition to a summer picnic or a light lunch. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a side of herbed quinoa.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the lettuce from wilting, keep it separate until you’re ready to serve. If reheating, gently warm the chicken salad in the microwave, but avoid overheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Chicken Salad contains roughly 520 calories, with 15g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (155% of the Daily Value), and calcium (116% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 43g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to add the dressing right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. If you need to prepare it the night before, store the dressing separately and combine just before you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for Feta cheese?
If you're not a fan of Feta, consider using crumbled goat cheese or even cubed mozzarella for a milder flavor. Alternatively, vegan feta or tofu can be used for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary depending on the cheese you choose.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Greek Chicken Salad is great for meal prep. You can portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Just remember to keep the lettuce separate until you're ready to eat, to maintain its freshness and crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).