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Fresh Greek Chicken Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Dressing

fresh greek chicken salad - featured image

A vibrant and crunchy Greek chicken salad featuring tender herb-marinated grilled chicken, crisp veggies, creamy feta, and a bright zesty lemon oregano dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that satisfies with fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), trimmed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, finely chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, baby spinach, or spring mix)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (seedless if preferred)
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (firm, small-curd)
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (for dressing)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for dressing)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (for dressing)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for dressing)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Salad Base: Rinse and dry salad greens. Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and slice olives. Toss together gently in a large bowl.
  4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, oregano, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Slice rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add to salad bowl with crumbled feta. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh to preserve crispness and brightness.

Notes

Marinate chicken at least 20 minutes but not too long to avoid mushy texture. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Dressing can be made ahead and stored up to a week. Store salad and dressing separately for meal prep to avoid soggy greens.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken salad, lemon oregano dressing, healthy salad, grilled chicken salad, Mediterranean salad, quick salad recipe, fresh salad