Authentic Greek Style Chicken Salad: Your New Go-To Healthy Lunch

There’s nothing quite like a refreshing, flavorful meal that satisfies without feeling heavy. This Greek Style Chicken Salad perfectly embodies that balance, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a quick snack, or even a delightful dinner. Packed with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, it’s a dish you’ll want to enjoy year-round, regardless of the season. While it shines brightly as a delicious sandwich filling, many find its true calling when generously spooned over a crisp bed of lettuce, or simply scooped up with a pile of crunchy pita chips.

The beauty of this chicken salad recipe lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. It’s an excellent way to utilize leftover Greek Chicken, transforming previous meals into something fresh and exciting. In fact, it’s so good, you might find yourself deliberately making extra Greek chicken just to have enough for this salad! Alternatively, it works wonderfully with my Poached Chicken recipe, offering a tender and moist base. For the ultimate convenience, a store-bought rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, provides a fantastic shortcut without compromising on flavor. Whichever method you choose, detailed instructions are provided in the comprehensive recipe card below to guide you every step of the way.

Crafting the Perfect Greek Flavor Profile: Key Ingredients

This Greek Style Chicken Salad brings together all the classic components you’d expect from a traditional Greek salad, elevated and enrobed in a luscious, tangy Greek yogurt dressing. The careful selection of each ingredient contributes to a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes, creating a truly memorable dish.

When selecting your produce, pay close attention to the tomatoes. Opt for smaller varieties like grape or cherry tomatoes, as they tend to be sweeter and burst with more concentrated flavor. This natural sweetness significantly enhances the overall taste of the chicken salad. For the cucumbers, aim for a firm, crisp variety, and remember that grating and squeezing out excess moisture is a crucial step to prevent a watery salad. The red onion, minced finely, adds a sharp, piquant note that is beautifully mellowed by the red wine vinegar during its brief marination.

Perhaps the only ingredient where a touch of personal preference truly comes into play is the olives. While briny Kalamata olives are the traditional choice and undeniably delicious, their strong flavor might not appeal to everyone. If you, like me, prefer a milder, more buttery olive, consider swapping them for Castelvetrano olives. These vibrant green olives offer a delightful, mild fruitiness that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them, adding another layer of sophistication to the salad.

A star player in the dressing is the **full-fat Greek yogurt**. In an age where non-fat versions dominate refrigerator shelves, I cannot stress enough the importance of using full-fat yogurt here. While you *can* use non-fat, be aware that it will noticeably alter the texture of the chicken salad, making it less rich and creamy. Full-fat Greek yogurt provides an unparalleled creaminess and tang that is essential for the dressing’s body and flavor, ensuring a luxurious mouthfeel that truly makes this salad shine.

Step-by-Step Method: Assembling Your Greek Chicken Salad

Creating this flavorful Greek Style Chicken Salad is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency without sacrificing taste. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and utterly delicious dish:

Preparing the Chicken Base:

If you’re starting with plain shredded chicken—whether it’s from a rotisserie chicken or freshly poached—the first step is to infuse it with the signature Greek flavors. In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken with Greek seasoning, dried oregano, a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This initial seasoning step is crucial; it allows the chicken to absorb the aromatic herbs and bright citrus notes, building a robust flavor foundation for the salad.

Building the Dressing and Combining Flavors:

Next, it’s time to incorporate the fresh vegetables and the creamy dressing components. To the seasoned chicken, add the finely minced red onion and the grated cucumber. The grated cucumber should be squeezed dry beforehand to remove excess moisture, preventing your salad from becoming watery. Drizzle in the red wine vinegar, and allow this mixture to marinate for a few minutes. This brief marination period allows the vinegar to gently pickle the red onion, mellowing its sharpness and infusing the chicken with a delightful tang.

After the marination, gently stir in the mayonnaise and, most importantly, the full-fat Greek yogurt. These ingredients create the rich, creamy base of the dressing, binding all the components together. Ensure everything is well combined, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture.

Adding the Finishing Touches:

Finally, fold in the star Greek ingredients: the quartered grape tomatoes, the quartered Kalamata (or Castelvetrano) olives, and the crumbled feta cheese. If you’re using fresh dill, this is the perfect time to add it for an extra burst of herbaceous freshness. Stir gently to distribute these vibrant additions throughout the chicken salad, ensuring every bite is packed with Mediterranean goodness.

Tips for Serving and Presentation:

Once mixed, taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that feta and olives are salty, so you might not need much additional salt. A bit more fresh cracked black pepper often enhances the flavors beautifully. If you plan to serve this as a dip or a more visually striking “snacking lunch” with pita chips, consider reserving some extra diced cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, and fresh dill to sprinkle on top just before serving. This garnishing step not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides a delightful fresh burst of flavor and texture with every scoop.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl

While I often confess my fondness for enjoying this recipe straight from the bowl with a bag of crispy pita chips, the versatility of this Greek Style Chicken Salad truly knows no bounds. It transitions seamlessly from a casual snack to a satisfying meal, offering numerous delicious serving options.

For a classic lunch, it makes an absolutely superb sandwich. Serve it on your favorite bread, perhaps a hearty whole wheat or a soft white, complemented by a crisp leaf of lettuce and a few fresh slices of tomato. The fresh greens and juicy tomatoes add a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, tangy chicken salad. For an even more authentic Greek experience, spoon the salad into warm pita bread pockets – a truly satisfying and portable meal.

Beyond traditional sandwiches and pita pockets, consider these creative serving ideas:

• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb and extra-refreshing option, serve generous scoops of the chicken salad in crisp lettuce cups, such as romaine or butter lettuce.
• Stuffed Avocados: Halve and pit an avocado, then fill each cavity with a scoop of Greek Style Chicken Salad for a decadent, healthy, and visually appealing meal.
• On a Salad Bed: Create a vibrant main course by serving a large scoop of the chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
• Cracker Topping: A delightful appetizer or snack, spread the chicken salad on various crackers or crostini.
• Meal Prep Powerhouse: Portion the salad into containers for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week. Pair it with veggie sticks or a small side salad.

My culinary journey has led me on quite the chicken salad adventure lately! While my Simple Chicken Salad remains a beloved classic, I’ve enjoyed venturing into more adventurous territory with my Green Goddess Chicken Salad. I’ve also had a blast creating unique twists like the sophisticated Martini Chicken Salad and the hearty Cobb Style Chicken Salad. But if I had to pick a favorite for its sheer flavor explosion, the BLT Chicken Salad takes the crown. Don’t hesitate to go chicken salad crazy with these recipes and discover your own favorites!

Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear from you! Please let me know by leaving a review or comment below. And to stay updated with all my latest creations, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

📖 Recipe Card

Yield: about 6 cups

Authentic Greek Style Chicken Salad

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

This authentic Greek Style Chicken Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish, perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or satisfying snack any day of the year!

Ingredients

for the chicken:

• 1 Rotisserie Chicken, shredded (approx. 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken)
• 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
• 2 teaspoons Greek Seasoning
• 1 ea Lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt, Morton’s
• ¼ teaspoon Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

for the chicken salad:

• ½ cup Red Onion, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 cup Cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• ¾ cup Mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Full Fat Greek Yogurt
• ½ cup Kalamata Olives, quartered (or Castelvetrano)
• 1 cup Grape Tomatoes, quartered
• ½ cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon Greek Seasoning (optional, for final mix)
• Fresh Dill, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Additional Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

preparing the chicken:

1. Prepare or Season Your Chicken: If using plain chicken breast (e.g., poached), first marinate in oregano, 2 tsp Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for 20-30 minutes. Then grill or pan-fry until lightly colored and internal temperature reaches 165˚F (74°C), being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.
2. Cool and Shred (if applicable): Allow the cooked chicken to cool to room temperature, then shred it with your hands or a fork, mimicking the texture of rotisserie chicken. Reserve until needed.
3. Rotisserie Chicken Method: For maximum convenience, use a shredded rotisserie chicken. Toss it in 1 tablespoon of oregano, 2 teaspoons of Greek seasoning, and the juice of 1 lemon to infuse it with fresh Greek flavors. This is especially effective if done while the chicken is still slightly warm, helping it absorb the seasonings more thoroughly.

assembling the salad:

1. Marinate the Red Onion: In a large bowl, combine the finely minced red onion and red wine vinegar. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This step helps to mellow the onion’s sharpness and adds a pleasant tang.
2. Grate and Drain Cucumber: Using the large side of a grater, grate the cucumber until you have approximately 1 cup. It is crucial to gently squeeze out any excess liquid over the sink. You can use your hands, a fine-mesh strainer, or even a clean kitchen towel for this. Removing excess moisture prevents the salad from becoming watery.
3. Prepare the Dressing Base: Add the grated and squeezed cucumber to the bowl with the marinated onion. Then, add the mayonnaise and full-fat Greek yogurt (and fresh dill if using) to the bowl. Stir everything thoroughly to create a creamy and tangy dressing base for your chicken salad.
4. Combine All Ingredients: Fold the prepared chicken into the dressing mixture. Then, gently stir in the quartered olives, quartered grape tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Add an additional teaspoon of Greek seasoning at this stage for an extra layer of flavor if desired.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Since olives, feta, and Greek seasoning all contribute to saltiness, it’s best to taste first before adding more salt. You might find you want a bit more fresh pepper to enhance the flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Greek Style Chicken Salad on bread with a slice or two of fresh tomato and crisp lettuce, topped with extra feta and fresh dill if desired. It is also incredibly delicious served with crunchy pita chips or stuffed into warm pita bread for a fulfilling meal.

Notes

There are so many fantastic ways to enjoy this Greek Style Chicken Salad! Whether you prefer it with crispy pita chips, as a hearty sandwich, or tucked into a soft pita pocket, it’s sure to be a hit. This recipe is also wonderful for meal prep; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6 servings

Serving Size:

1 cup

Amount Per Serving (estimated):
Calories: 154Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 782mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 4g

This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used.

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