Looking for a fresh and flavorful twist on your everyday chicken salad? Look no further than the Greek Chicken Salad! This Mediterranean-inspired dish packs a punch of bright, tangy flavors with juicy marinated chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy feta cheese dressing. It's the perfect salad to brighten up your lunchtime routine or impress guests at your next summer gathering.
Last summer, I decided to make a Greek chicken salad for a family gathering. I had made the classic version before, but this time, I wanted to make it even more delicious and memorable. So, I did some research and got a few ideas from food blogs and recipe websites.
The real secret to making the salad even more delicious was the dressing. Instead of using a store-bought Greek dressing, I made my own by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and more oregano. The result was a tangy, slightly sweet, and herbaceous dressing that complemented the flavors of the salad perfectly.
When I served the Greek chicken salad to my family, they were blown away by how tasty and refreshing it was. They couldn't stop raving about the juicy chicken, the crisp veggies, and the homemade dressing. Some even asked for the recipe, which was the ultimate compliment.
From that day on, the Greek chicken salad became a staple dish in my family's meal rotation, and I continued to experiment with different variations and ingredients to keep it interesting. But one thing was for sure: making it even more delicious wasn't that hard after all, and it was totally worth it.
GREEK CHICKEN SALAD INGREDIENTS
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil, for grilling
For the salad:
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- ½ cup sliced red onions
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
HOW TO MAKE GREEK CHICKEN SALAD
In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side or until they're cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Let the chicken cool for a few minutes, then chop or slice it into bite-size pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and pine nuts (if using).
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Add the chopped chicken to the salad and toss again.
Can you store it?
Yes, you can store Greek chicken salad in the refrigerator for later consumption. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that the salad stays fresh and safe to eat:
- Store the chicken and salad separately
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep refrigerated
- Consume within 3-4 days
FAQs
Is Greek chicken salad healthy?
Greek chicken salad can be a healthy and nutritious meal, especially if you use fresh, whole ingredients and a light dressing. The salad is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can be a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Can I use other types of lettuce in Greek chicken salad?
Yes, you can use other types of lettuce, such as iceberg, butterhead, or mixed greens, in Greek chicken salad. However, keep in mind that some lettuces may wilt faster than others, so you may need to adjust the storage time accordingly.
Can I use other types of cheese in Greek chicken salad?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as goat cheese or shredded mozzarella, in Greek chicken salad. However, feta cheese is a traditional ingredient in Greek salad and adds a tangy, salty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Conclusion
Greek chicken salad is a delicious, light meal that you can enjoy any time of day. It’s easy to make, delicious and will fill you up without weighing you down. If you have some leftover rotisserie chicken from the night before, this recipe is perfect for making use of it!
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