Authentic Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad: Your Ultimate Souvlaki-Inspired Meal
Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with this incredible Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad! It’s brimming with the vibrant, savory flavors of traditional Greek Souvlaki, all brought together by a phenomenal dressing that effortlessly pulls double duty as a marinade. Just like our highly popular Grilled Chilli Lime Chicken Fajita Salad and the refreshing Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad, this recipe proves that a salad can be a complete, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal in itself.
This Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience! Picture succulent, perfectly seasoned chicken, crisp garden vegetables, tangy Feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives, all crowned with a creamy, cooling Tzatziki. To elevate this dish from great to unforgettable, we serve it with warm, soft homemade Garlic Flatbreads, perfect for soaking up every last drop of flavor. This combination delivers a burst of authentic Mediterranean taste that will have you saying, “I love this!” with every single bite.
Why This Greek Chicken Salad Is a Must-Try
Whenever I have the chance to order lunch out, this particular Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad is almost always my go-to choice. It’s a perpetual delicious dilemma between this and a classic Chicken Avocado Caesar Salad, but lately, the fresh, bright flavors of this Greek creation have consistently won me over. Essentially, it’s a delightful deconstruction of traditional chicken Souvlaki, presented in a vibrant salad format. But we don’t stop there! This version takes it up a notch with an abundance of fresh salad greens, generous cubes of creamy Feta, the distinct saltiness of Kalamata Olives, and an explosion of FLAVOR that makes every forkful a joy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balanced components: tender, juicy chicken, a medley of crisp vegetables, the tangy dressing, and the refreshing Tzatziki. It’s a meal that feels both indulgent and incredibly healthy, making it perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that perfectly captures the essence of Greek cuisine.
The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor: Our Dual-Purpose Marinade & Dressing
The heart of this incredible salad lies in its brilliant, dual-purpose lemon garlic dressing. This potent concoction not only infuses the chicken with deep, authentic Greek flavors but also serves as the vibrant dressing that ties the entire salad together. I highly recommend allowing your chicken to marinate for at least half an hour before grilling. This short marinating time is easily managed while you prep the rest of your salad components – slicing vegetables, preparing the Tzatziki, and warming your flatbreads. The acids in the lemon juice and red wine vinegar work wonders, tenderizing the chicken and allowing it to soak up all the aromatic garlic and oregano.
**BUT** (and there’s always a ‘but’ for those super busy days), if you find yourself genuinely pressed for time, don’t despair! The chicken can still be cooked without a full marination period. In this scenario, the key is to generously baste the chicken fillets with the marinade while searing them in the pan. This ensures that the robust lemon, garlic, and oregano flavors are still effectively locked into the chicken, giving you a delicious result even when time is short. While marinating always yields the most tender and flavorful outcome, this basting technique is a fantastic shortcut for a quick weeknight meal.
Cooking Your Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken to Perfection
Achieving perfectly cooked, juicy chicken is crucial for this salad. Whether you prefer the smoky char of an outdoor barbecue, the convenience of an indoor grill pan, or the simplicity of a cast-iron skillet, the choice is yours. Each method will impart a slightly different characteristic to the chicken, but the goal remains the same: tender, flavorful meat with a beautiful golden crust. Ensure your cooking surface is hot before adding the chicken to get that desirable sear. Cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and has developed a lovely golden-brown exterior. Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking is also important; this helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is as succulent as possible.
The Essential Sides: Homemade Tzatziki and Warm Flatbreads
No Greek chicken salad is complete without its traditional accompaniments: cool, creamy Tzatziki and soft, warm flatbreads. While you absolutely CAN opt for store-bought Tzatziki and flatbreads for convenience – just gently warm the flatbreads in a pan on low heat until soft and pliable – to me, there’s truly nothing quite like the fresh, vibrant taste of homemade Tzatziki. Making your own Tzatziki takes only a few minutes and rewards you with a depth of flavor that complements the robust chicken and fresh salad perfectly.
Our easy garlic flatbreads are also a game-changer. Their soft texture and subtle garlic aroma are ideal for scooping up the salad, soaking up the dressing, and pairing with the cooling Tzatziki. If you do choose store-bought, ensure they are warmed through to bring out their best texture and flavor. Once your chicken is cooked and sliced, and your Tzatziki and flatbreads are ready, it’s time to assemble your magnificent salad. Artfully arrange your fresh salad components, top with the sliced chicken, dollop generously with Tzatziki, and don’t forget to drizzle with the remaining reserved lemon garlic dressing. Serve immediately with your delightful easy garlic flatbreads on the side, ready to complete this authentic Greek feast!
Tips for Success and Variations
To ensure your Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad is consistently delicious, here are a few extra tips: always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in both the marinade and Tzatziki. For the cucumber in Tzatziki, consider salting it lightly and squeezing out excess water before mixing; this prevents the Tzatziki from becoming watery. When selecting olives, Kalamata olives are preferred for their distinct, rich flavor, but any good quality pitted black olive will work. Feel free to customize your salad greens; while we use classic Greek salad components, adding a bed of crisp romaine lettuce can add extra crunch and volume.
**Variations to explore:**
- **Vegetarian Option:** Skip the chicken and add grilled halloumi cheese or chickpeas for a hearty meat-free version.
- **Extra Veggies:** Include artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or thinly sliced radish for added texture and flavor.
- **Spice It Up:** A pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.
- **Herb Power:** Fresh dill or mint chopped finely and added to the Tzatziki or sprinkled over the salad can enhance the Mediterranean aroma.
- **Different Cheeses:** While feta is traditional, crumbled goat cheese or even a sprinkle of parmesan could offer an interesting twist.
This salad is wonderfully versatile and adaptable to your pantry and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
The Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Delight
Beyond its incredible taste, this Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad is a powerhouse of nutrition, perfectly aligning with the principles of the renowned Mediterranean diet. Lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and feta, and an abundance of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers make this a wholesome meal. Greek yogurt in the Tzatziki provides probiotics, beneficial for gut health, while lemon and garlic offer immune-boosting properties. This salad proves that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying, contributing to overall well-being with every colorful, delicious bite.
The balance of macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats – ensures sustained energy and satiety, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a meal that fuels the body and delights the senses without feeling heavy. Enjoying a meal like this is not just about the food; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that values fresh, natural ingredients and the joy of sharing delicious, health-conscious cuisine.
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Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts large, halved to make four fillets
- 4 flatbreads store bought or use this recipe for homemade
Marinade / Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced, or 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch cracked pepper
For The Tazatziki (or use store bought):
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lebanese cucumber peeled, deseeded and grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
For The Salad:
- 3 lebanese cucumbers halved lengthways and sliced thick
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
- 1 green pepper deseeded and sliced
- 1/2 red onion sliced thinly
- 7 oz marinaded feta cheese cubed
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
Instructions
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Whisk together all the marinade / dressing ingredients in a large, shallow dish. This forms the flavor base for your entire meal. Once thoroughly combined, pour out 1/3 cup of this mixture to use as your final salad dressing. Cover this reserved portion and refrigerate it for later use.
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Add the chicken breasts to the remaining marinade in the dish. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated on all sides. Cover the dish and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavor and tenderness, you can let it marinate overnight (up to 12 hours).
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While the chicken is marinating, prepare your homemade Tzatziki (if not using store-bought): combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, grated cucumber (squeezed of excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld. Next, prepare your fresh salad: toss together the sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, green pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives in a large bowl. Divide these vibrant salad ingredients evenly between four plates, forming a fresh bed for your chicken. Finally, prepare your flatbreads: either follow our recipe for easy garlic flatbreads or gently warm store-bought flatbreads on a pan over low heat until they are soft and warmed through. Transfer these warm flatbreads to your serving plates.
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Heat a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess (discard any remaining marinade that touched raw chicken). Place the chicken fillets in the hot pan and sear until they are thoroughly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. The total cook time will be approximately 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. The chicken should have a golden-brown sear and be tender in the center.
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and allow it to rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board. This step is essential for retaining the chicken’s juiciness. After resting, slice the chicken thickly against the grain and artfully arrange it over the prepared salads on each plate. Cut each warm flatbread into four pieces and arrange them alongside the salad. Finally, retrieve your reserved dressing from the refrigerator and generously drizzle it over the chicken and salad. Serve immediately with the creamy Tzatziki on the side, inviting everyone to enjoy this fresh and flavorful Greek feast!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
