If you love vibrant, fresh flavors with a burst of creamy tang, the Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Tzatziki & Feta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines juicy, aromatic grilled chicken with crisp vegetables, salty feta, and cool, herby tzatziki sauce, creating a satisfying bowl that feels as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner, this recipe brings together classic Greek ingredients in a way that’s both simple and utterly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Tzatziki & Feta Recipe just right takes a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in building those iconic Mediterranean flavors. These components not only add bursts of texture and color but also balance the dish beautifully from savory to fresh and creamy.
- Chicken breasts: The protein star, juicy and tender, works perfectly with the marinade to soak up all those zesty notes.
- Olive oil: Essential for marinating and grilling, it adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent depth that brightens both the marinade and the tzatziki sauce.
- Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that lends an earthy, slightly minty aroma to the chicken.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it’s the perfect base for your salad bowl.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add bursts of color and flavor in every bite.
- Cucumber: Adds crunch and cooling moisture, especially important alongside the grilled chicken.
- Red onion: Offers a subtle sharpness and brightens the overall salad with its color.
- Feta cheese: Tangy and salty, it beautifully complements all the fresh vegetables and chicken.
- Greek yogurt: The creamy, rich base for the tzatziki sauce that ties the entire dish together.
- Fresh dill: Provides that signature herbaceous touch that makes tzatziki so irresistible.
How to Make Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Tzatziki & Feta Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken breasts in a simple mixture of olive oil, freshly minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to soak up those bright, Mediterranean flavors. This short marination time is perfect for infusing amazing taste without any fuss.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill to medium-high and cook the marinated chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice golden-brown exterior and completely cooked through juicy interior. Grilling this way captures that smoky char which pairs wonderfully with the creamy tzatziki to come.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While your chicken is grilling, whip up the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess water to keep it thick), minced garlic, fresh chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This sauce is cool, tangy, and herbaceous — the perfect condiment to brighten up your salad bowl.
Step 4: Assemble Your Salad Bowl
In serving bowls, start with a bed of chopped romaine lettuce for crunch and freshness. Layer on halved cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber slices, thin rings of red onion, and generous crumbles of salty feta cheese. Finally, slice your grilled chicken and arrange it on top, ready to be crowned with the tzatziki.
Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish
Finish by drizzling the creamy tzatziki sauce over the entire bowl. You can add a little extra fresh dill or a sprinkle of oregano on top for a lovely herbal note that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Now it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Tzatziki & Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Tzatziki & Feta Recipe adds that extra pop of flavor and presentation flair. Fresh dill sprigs or a few lemon wedges on the side not only brighten the dish but also invite you to customize each bite. You could also sprinkle a little smoked paprika for a subtle warmth.
Side Dishes
This salad bowl works beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with warm, fluffy pita bread or some crispy roasted potatoes. A side of olives or a small serving of hummus can elevate the dining experience without overpowering the fresh, vibrant flavors of the salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve everything deconstructed buffet-style so everyone can build their own salad bowls. Or try layering the components in a mason jar for a portable meal. Using colorful ceramic bowls or adding edible flowers can make your presentation charming enough for any dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Chicken Salad Bowl components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the chicken and vegetables chilled, and store tzatziki on the side to prevent sogginess in the salad.
Freezing
While the grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 1 month if wrapped tightly, the fresh salad and tzatziki are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing the salad will cause the vegetables and cheese to lose texture, so it’s recommended to prepare the bowl fresh each time if possible.
Reheating
To reheat chicken, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave in short bursts to keep it juicy. Avoid reheating the tzatziki or salad itself — just add fresh components when serving leftovers for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving on the grill and can add extra juiciness and flavor, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Tzatziki & Feta Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it great for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, tzatziki actually tastes better if made a few hours ahead as it allows the flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
What can I substitute for fresh dill if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can work in a pinch, but use sparingly as it’s more concentrated. Fresh parsley or mint can also offer a pleasant fresh flavor but will change the classic tzatziki taste slightly.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Tzatziki & Feta Recipe, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki, and opt for vegan feta alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Tzatziki & Feta Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your regular meal rotation. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together so easily, making it a perfect weekday meal or an impressive dish to share with friends. Give it a try and enjoy a little taste of the Mediterranean wherever you are!
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Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Tzatziki & Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Tzatziki & Feta is a fresh, vibrant meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It features tender grilled chicken marinated in aromatic herbs and lemon, served over crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and tangy feta, all topped with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt and fresh dill.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad
- Romaine lettuce, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber, drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice golden brown color. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are blended into a creamy sauce. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Salad Bowl: In two serving bowls, start with a base of chopped romaine lettuce. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add the Chicken and Tzatziki: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange the pieces on top of the salad bowls. Drizzle generous amounts of the homemade tzatziki sauce over the salad. Optionally, garnish with extra dill or a lemon wedge for added freshness.
Notes
- For best results, drain the grated cucumber well before adding it to the tzatziki to avoid excess wateriness.
- You can substitute grilled chicken with baked or pan-seared chicken if a grill is not available.
- This salad is perfect for meal prep; keep the tzatziki separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
- Add olives or bell peppers to enhance the Greek flavors if desired.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier tzatziki sauce.
