Grilled Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This delicious grilled chicken salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender, seasoned chicken served atop a crisp and colorful array of fresh vegetables. Drizzled with a creamy tzatziki dressing, this dish is a nutritious option for lunch or dinner that is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

For the Chicken:
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 2 teaspoons dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Salad:
– 1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
– 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and sliced
– ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
– ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
– 4 ounces feta cheese, cubed

For the Tzatziki Dressing:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 5 tablespoons buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 teaspoons lemon zest
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing:

In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, buttermilk, chopped fresh dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once combined, set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Season the Chicken:

In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix these spices together well. Take the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and season them evenly with the spice mixture, ensuring all sides are well coated.

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Once the grill is hot, place the seasoned chicken thighs on it. Grill the chicken, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which typically takes about 10 minutes.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, place the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. On top of the lettuce, add the grilled chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, pitted kalamata olives, and cubed feta cheese. Arrange these ingredients to ensure a balanced distribution.

Dress the Salad:

Pour the prepared tzatziki dressing over the salad. Carefully toss the salad to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring that the dressing coats the vegetables and chicken well.

Serve:

Serve the salad immediately while the chicken is still warm, allowing for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.

Notes

Chicken Cooking Tip:

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through without being overdone.

Vegetable Freshness:

For the best flavor and texture, use fresh vegetables, particularly for the lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Dressing Adjustments:

Feel free to adjust the seasoning of the tzatziki dressing according to your taste preferences; you can add more garlic or lemon for a tangier flavor.

Storage:

If not serving immediately, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately to maintain freshness. Combine just before serving.

Grilled Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Grilled Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

Cook Techniques

Grilling

Grilling chicken thighs adds a smoky flavor and creates a nice char. Ensure the grill is preheated to medium heat for even cooking.

Whisking

When preparing the tzatziki dressing, whisking combines the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.

Seasoning

Evenly seasoning the chicken with dried herbs and spices enhances the flavor profile. Use your hands to rub the mixture into the meat.

Assembling

Layering the salad ingredients allows for a pleasing presentation. Start with the base of lettuce before adding the toppings.

Dressing

Pouring the tzatziki dressing over the salad and tossing gently helps to coat each ingredient without bruising delicate items like the avocado.

Serving

Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients, particularly the crispness of the lettuce and the creaminess of the dressing.

FAQ

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even marinated tofu for a vegetarian option.

Can I make the tzatziki dressing in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tzatziki dressing a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

What other vegetables can I add to the salad?

You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for extra crunch and color.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! You can substitute feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a dairy-free option if needed.

Conclusion

This grilled chicken salad with tzatziki dressing provides a delicious and refreshing meal option that is both nutritious and satisfying. The combination of the marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and tangy feta, all topped with a flavorful tzatziki dressing, makes for a perfect dish for warm weather or any occasion. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chicken Souvlaki Wrap

Marinate chicken thighs in the same spices and skewer them for grilling. Serve in pita bread with salad toppings and tzatziki sauce.

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

Replace chicken with quinoa and mix in the salad ingredients, drizzling with tzatziki for a hearty vegetarian option.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuff halved bell peppers with a mixture of seasoned chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta, then bake until the peppers are tender.

Lentil Salad with Feta

Combine cooked lentils with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta, then toss with leftover tzatziki dressing for a protein-rich salad.

Grilled Vegetable Salad

Grill a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, and serve over mixed greens with feta and tzatziki dressing.

Avocado and Chickpea Salad

Mix chickpeas, avocado, diced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, and dress with lemon and dill for a refreshing salad that pairs well with grilled chicken.

Grilled Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Grilled Greek Chicken Salad Recipe