Greek Salad is a timeless dish that perfectly captures the essence of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and Mediterranean charm. It’s one of those meals that manages to be light yet satisfying, and with the addition of marinated chicken, it transforms from a simple side into a filling main course. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual lunch, a light dinner, or as a complement to a larger feast, this Greek Salad with Marinated Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
PrintGreek Salad with Marinated Chicken: A Flavorful Feast
Looking for a wholesome, refreshing dish? Try Greek Salad with Marinated Chicken! 🥗🍗 This meal is a Mediterranean feast, featuring marinated chicken paired with crisp veggies, tangy feta, and rich olives. 🌿✨ It’s a perfect option for a light yet filling meal—great for any occasion. Packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your healthy meal rotation! 😍
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- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken
- 1 recipe red wine vinaigrette (divided)
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (split in half lengthwise)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 3 chopped campari tomatoes (or 2 Roma tomatoes)
- 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced on a bias
- 1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives (or black olives)
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- The Marinade: The Secret to Flavorful Chicken
- One of the key elements in this Greek Salad recipe is the marinated chicken. The chicken breast is marinated in a portion of the red wine vinaigrette, which adds a tangy richness and enhances the flavor of the chicken. The acidity from the red wine vinegar helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. The olive oil adds a smoothness to the marinade, while the salt and pepper bring balance to the overall dish.
- To marinate the chicken, simply season it with salt and pepper and then pour half of the vinaigrette over the chicken breasts. The chicken should be fully coated, so make sure to move the pieces around in the dish to ensure an even marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. If you have the time, marinating the chicken for up to two days will allow the flavors to deepen and infuse into the meat.
- Marinating chicken is an excellent way to introduce bold flavors into the dish, and this vinaigrette marinade does just that. It’s a simple, yet incredibly effective technique that results in perfectly seasoned chicken that will elevate the salad to a new level.
- Cooking the Chicken: Searing to Perfection
- After marinating the chicken, it’s time to cook it. For this recipe, we sear the chicken in a hot pan with a touch of olive oil, which helps lock in moisture and create a crispy, golden crust on the outside. Heating the pan over medium heat ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot pan and sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes. This will result in a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breast with a lightly crispy exterior. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is essential for keeping the chicken tender and juicy, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips, which will be added to the salad later. The thin slices ensure that each bite of chicken is flavorful and easy to enjoy with the salad ingredients.
- Assembling the Greek Salad
- The beauty of Greek Salad lies in its simplicity. To assemble, start by placing the chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl. Romaine lettuce is the perfect base for this dish because of its crispness and refreshing taste. Drizzle half of the remaining red wine vinaigrette over the lettuce and toss gently to coat. This ensures that each piece of lettuce is evenly coated with the tangy vinaigrette, setting the stage for the salad’s other ingredients.
- Next, add the chopped tomatoes and sliced cucumbers to the salad. Tomatoes bring a burst of juiciness and sweetness to the salad, while cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch. The combination of these vegetables creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Campari tomatoes, in particular, are sweet and juicy, making them ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find Campari tomatoes, Roma tomatoes work just as well.
- Add the kalamata olives or black olives to the salad. Olives are a key component of Greek cuisine, providing a briny, slightly bitter flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Pickled red onions add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that contrasts nicely with the other components of the salad. They’re easy to make at home, but you can also use store-bought pickled onions if you prefer.
- Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Feta is a staple in Greek salads and brings a creamy, tangy, and slightly salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fresh vegetables and savory chicken.
- Finishing Touches: Adding the Marinated Chicken
- Once the salad ingredients are assembled, top the salad with the thinly sliced marinated chicken. The chicken adds a protein-packed punch to the salad, making it a complete meal. Drizzle the remaining red wine vinaigrette over the top, giving the salad a final burst of flavor.
Notes
- Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer a different type of protein, you can easily swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Each protein will add a unique flavor and texture to the salad.
- Lettuce: While romaine is the traditional choice, you can also use mixed greens, arugula, or spinach for a different base.
- Olives: If you’re not a fan of kalamata olives, you can use green olives, black olives, or even skip the olives altogether.
- Cheese: Feta is a classic choice for Greek Salad, but you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even mozzarella for a different twist on the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
A Perfect Blend of Freshness and Flavor
Greek Salad is often admired for its fresh ingredients and the simple, yet elegant, combination of flavors. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and briny olives all come together in a way that awakens your taste buds. The addition of marinated chicken adds a delightful richness to the salad, making it even more satisfying. What’s wonderful about this salad is how easy it is to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a dish that is bursting with freshness and flavor. The marinated chicken, in particular, infuses the salad with an extra layer of tangy goodness from the red wine vinaigrette, making every bite a delightful experience.
This Greek Salad recipe isn’t just about taste—it’s also about texture. The crunchy vegetables and tender chicken, combined with the creamy feta and tangy pickled red onions, create a harmonious contrast that makes each bite both satisfying and exciting. The red wine vinaigrette, made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and seasonings, ties everything together with its balanced acidity and smoothness. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light meal or pairing it with grilled pita or hummus, this salad is perfect for almost any occasion.
Ingredients for Greek Salad with Marinated Chicken
Marinated Chicken
- 1 recipe red wine vinaigrette (divided)
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (split in half lengthwise)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 3 chopped campari tomatoes (or 2 Roma tomatoes)
- 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced on a bias
- 1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives (or black olives)
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
These fresh, high-quality ingredients combine to form a salad that is both satisfying and nourishing. The marinated chicken infuses a deep flavor, while the salad ingredients provide a satisfying crunch and a variety of textures. The dressing brings all the flavors together in a delightful burst of tangy goodness.
The Marinade: The Secret to Flavorful Chicken
One of the key elements in this Greek Salad recipe is the marinated chicken. The chicken breast is marinated in a portion of the red wine vinaigrette, which adds a tangy richness and enhances the flavor of the chicken. The acidity from the red wine vinegar helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. The olive oil adds a smoothness to the marinade, while the salt and pepper bring balance to the overall dish.
To marinate the chicken, simply season it with salt and pepper and then pour half of the vinaigrette over the chicken breasts. The chicken should be fully coated, so make sure to move the pieces around in the dish to ensure an even marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. If you have the time, marinating the chicken for up to two days will allow the flavors to deepen and infuse into the meat.
Marinating chicken is an excellent way to introduce bold flavors into the dish, and this vinaigrette marinade does just that. It’s a simple, yet incredibly effective technique that results in perfectly seasoned chicken that will elevate the salad to a new level.
Cooking the Chicken: Searing to Perfection
After marinating the chicken, it’s time to cook it. For this recipe, we sear the chicken in a hot pan with a touch of olive oil, which helps lock in moisture and create a crispy, golden crust on the outside. Heating the pan over medium heat ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
Place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot pan and sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes. This will result in a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breast with a lightly crispy exterior. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is essential for keeping the chicken tender and juicy, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips, which will be added to the salad later. The thin slices ensure that each bite of chicken is flavorful and easy to enjoy with the salad ingredients.
Assembling the Greek Salad
The beauty of Greek Salad lies in its simplicity. To assemble, start by placing the chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl. Romaine lettuce is the perfect base for this dish because of its crispness and refreshing taste. Drizzle half of the remaining red wine vinaigrette over the lettuce and toss gently to coat. This ensures that each piece of lettuce is evenly coated with the tangy vinaigrette, setting the stage for the salad’s other ingredients.
Next, add the chopped tomatoes and sliced cucumbers to the salad. Tomatoes bring a burst of juiciness and sweetness to the salad, while cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch. The combination of these vegetables creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Campari tomatoes, in particular, are sweet and juicy, making them ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find Campari tomatoes, Roma tomatoes work just as well.
Add the kalamata olives or black olives to the salad. Olives are a key component of Greek cuisine, providing a briny, slightly bitter flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Pickled red onions add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that contrasts nicely with the other components of the salad. They’re easy to make at home, but you can also use store-bought pickled onions if you prefer.
Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Feta is a staple in Greek salads and brings a creamy, tangy, and slightly salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fresh vegetables and savory chicken.
Finishing Touches: Adding the Marinated Chicken
Once the salad ingredients are assembled, top the salad with the thinly sliced marinated chicken. The chicken adds a protein-packed punch to the salad, making it a complete meal. Drizzle the remaining red wine vinaigrette over the top, giving the salad a final burst of flavor.
The Flavors, Textures, and Aromas
When you take a bite of this Greek Salad with Marinated Chicken, you’re met with an explosion of flavors and textures. The crisp romaine lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, while the tomatoes and cucumbers offer a juicy, sweet contrast. The kalamata olives bring a briny depth, and the pickled red onions add a tangy sweetness that balances the salad beautifully.
The feta cheese provides a creamy, slightly salty bite that complements the other flavors. The marinated chicken, with its tender texture and tangy flavor from the red wine vinaigrette, ties everything together. The vinaigrette itself adds a zesty and smooth touch that elevates the salad’s overall flavor profile.
The aroma of the grilled chicken, mixed with the freshness of the vegetables, is incredibly inviting. The slight smokiness of the chicken pairs perfectly with the crispness of the vegetables, creating a sensory experience that’s as enjoyable to the nose as it is to the palate.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
This Greek Salad with Marinated Chicken is incredibly versatile, and there are several ways to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer a different type of protein, you can easily swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Each protein will add a unique flavor and texture to the salad.
- Lettuce: While romaine is the traditional choice, you can also use mixed greens, arugula, or spinach for a different base.
- Olives: If you’re not a fan of kalamata olives, you can use green olives, black olives, or even skip the olives altogether.
- Cheese: Feta is a classic choice for Greek Salad, but you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even mozzarella for a different twist on the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Salad with Marinated Chicken is perfect on its own as a light main dish, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides for a more complete meal. Serve it with warm pita bread and hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired feast, or enjoy it alongside grilled vegetables or a hearty soup.
For a lighter meal, pair it with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The crisp acidity of these wines complements the tangy vinaigrette and fresh vegetables, making for a refreshing dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad
This Greek Salad with Marinated Chicken is the perfect blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients and bold, tangy flavors. It’s easy to make, customizable, and can be enjoyed all year long. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a gathering with friends, or a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress. With its fresh ingredients, satisfying protein, and delicious dressing, this salad is a meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired feast with this Greek Salad with Marinated Chicken!