Name: Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets; 1 English cucumber; 3 to 4 vine-ripened tomatoes; 1 green bell pepper; 1/4 red onion; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional); Grilled pita bread (optional)

There’s something so satisfying about a salad that feels like a full meal, and nothing hits that mark quite like this Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavors that remind me of summer nights spent grilling with friends. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

A large, shallow white plate is filled with a vibrant salad, showing about five layers. The bottom layer features small green cucumber pieces and bright red chopped tomatoes. On top of that are light brown grilled chicken chunks scattered unevenly, mixed with slim, curved slices of purple onion. Fresh green bell pepper pieces are spread across, followed by a sprinkling of white crumbled cheese. The salad looks fresh and colorful, with two silver forks resting on the right side of the plate, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself coming back to all summer long. It’s bright, tangy, and hearty all at once, with a homemade dressing that ties everything together beautifully. I love how it feels fancy but is so straightforward to throw together.

Time-Saver: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for when you want a flavorful dinner fast without compromising on freshness.
Double-Duty Dressing: The lemony vinaigrette doubles as both marinade and salad dressing, which really amps up flavor with minimal effort.
Fresh & Hearty: Loaded with crisp vegetables, grilled chicken, and salty feta cheese for a satisfying bite every time.
Perfect for Sharing: Makes a great dish for casual meals or impressing guests with a recipe that's light but substantial.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe lies in the balance of fresh, simple ingredients that pack big flavors together. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy grilled chicken to crisp veggies and tangy feta. When shopping, look for ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs to really elevate the salad.

Flat lay of two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly squeezed lemon juice, two whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl containing Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, three vine-ripened tomatoes, one whole English cucumber, one whole green bell pepper, a quarter of a red onion sliced thinly, a small white ceramic bowl of crumbled feta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped fresh parsley, four boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets placed naturally, arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra-virgin olive oil: A fruity and rich base for the dressing that adds healthy fats and helps flavors blend.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that lifts the whole salad.
Garlic: Adds that classic pungent kick we all love in Greek-inspired dishes.
Dried oregano: The signature herb in Greek cooking – don’t skimp on it!
Dijon mustard: Acts as an emulsifier and adds depth to the dressing.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance everything perfectly.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets: Quick cooking and tender when grilled right.
English cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, with fewer seeds than regular cucumbers.
Vine-ripened tomatoes: Juicy sweetness that contrasts nicely with salty feta.
Green bell pepper: Adds a little crunch and mild peppery flavor.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp bite without overpowering.
Crumbled feta cheese: The salty, creamy star of any Greek salad.
Chopped parsley (optional): Brightens and adds herbal freshness.
Grilled pita bread (optional): Perfect for scooping or serving on the side.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or what’s in the fridge. Over time, I’ve experimented a bit and found that a few simple swaps really keep it exciting.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken breast for thighs when I want a juicier, more flavorful bite that’s just as quick to cook.
Seasonal Twist: When cucumbers aren’t in season, I use radishes or snap peas for that satisfying crunch.
Dietary Modifications: For a lower-fat option, leave out the feta and add sliced avocado for creaminess instead.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Lemony Dressing

Start by combining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake it well until everything emulsifies into a bright, garlicky vinaigrette. I find shaking it in a jar gives the best, fastest mix without extra tools.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Drop the chicken cutlets in a large bowl and pour in half of the dressing. Toss with tongs to coat every piece evenly. Let it sit for just 5 minutes—this brief marinade imparts plenty of flavor and keeps the chicken tender without overcrowding your prep time.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates so nothing sticks. Place the chicken directly on the grill and cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden with char marks and an internal temp of 165°F. I always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling—it keeps the juices locked in and makes slicing easier.

Step 4: Chop & Assemble

While the chicken rests, chop cucumber, tomatoes, and green bell pepper into chunks about ¾-inch in size. Thinly slice the red onion (pro tip: soak it in cold water for 10 minutes if you want a milder taste). Cut the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and add everything to a large serving bowl along with crumbled feta. Pour over the remaining dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

I usually serve this with grilled pita bread on the side—it’s perfect for scooping or adding a bit of carb balance. Then dive in immediately to enjoy those contrasting textures and bright flavors while everything is fresh!

Top Tip

Making this Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe has taught me how important the little details are. These tips have saved me from dry chicken and flavorless salad more than once, so I always keep them in mind when I’m in a hurry but want the best result.

Don’t Skip the Rest: Let your grilled chicken rest before slicing—it locks in those juices so the chicken stays moist.
Marinate Just Enough: The dressing does double duty, but don’t over-marinate the chicken or it can get mealy; 5 minutes is perfect.
Season Wisely: Use kosher salt for even seasoning and Dijon mustard in your dressing to add complexity and a smooth texture.
Prep Ahead: Chop veggies while the chicken marinates to save time and stay organized.

How to Serve Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

Greek Chicken Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of tossing in fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green and herbaceous brightness. Sometimes I sprinkle a few kalamata olives on top to add that classic briny Greek touch. A few extra crumbles of feta never hurt either—because, cheese!

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled pita bread to soak up the dressing, or alongside a light lemony quinoa for a more substantial meal. On warmer days, I love serving it with some tzatziki and roasted veggies for a Mediterranean feast feel.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I like scooping the Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe into hollowed-out mini pita pockets for a hand-held treat. It’s also great layered into mason jars for colorful, grab-and-go lunches that look as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salad in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep veggies crisp, I recommend adding the dressing just before serving if you plan to store it longer or want extra freshness.

Freezing

Since this salad is full of fresh veggies and feta, freezing isn’t ideal. But I’ve had success freezing just the grilled chicken (without dressing), then thawing and tossing it with freshly prepped salad ingredients later.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftover grilled chicken gently in a skillet over low heat to keep it juicy, then combine it with fresh salad components. This way, you still get that fresh crunch and tang from the dressing at serving time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dressing ahead of time for this salad?

Absolutely! The lemony oregano dressing keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using to recombine the ingredients.

What’s the best way to grill chicken breast for this salad?

I like to pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness before marinating and grilling. It helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Don’t forget to oil the grill grates and check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is perfectly done.

Can I swap out any vegetables in this Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe?

Definitely. Feel free to replace or add veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even snap peas depending on what you have on hand. The dressing is versatile enough to complement a variety of produce.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Just keep the grilled chicken and chopped veggies refrigerated separately from the dressing to maintain freshness. Assemble and dress the salad right before eating for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Quick Greek Chicken Salad Recipe enough—it’s bright, wholesome, and comes together so quickly that it’s become a staple in my summer meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal fuss. Give it a try next time you want something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free—you won’t regret it!