Name: 30-Minute Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets; 1 English cucumber; 3 to 4 vine-ripened tomatoes; 1 green bell pepper; 1/4 red onion; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional); Grilled pita bread

Bright, fresh, and packed with flavor, this 30-Minute Greek Chicken Salad Recipe hits all the right notes for an easy, satisfying meal. It’s exactly the kind of dish I love to whip up when I want something healthy but still feel like I’m treating myself.

A large white plate filled with a colorful layered salad. The bottom layer is made of chopped green cucumbers, red tomatoes, and green bell peppers, mixed with thin slices of pale purple onions. On top of this, pieces of light golden brown grilled chicken are spread evenly. White crumbles of cheese are sprinkled all over the salad, adding a creamy texture. Some green herbs are scattered throughout, adding freshness. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with silver forks resting on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make 30-Minute Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve 30-Minute Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
30-Minute Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This 30-Minute Greek Chicken Salad Recipe isn’t just about quick prep; it’s about layers of vibrant flavors that feel fresh every time. I've come back to this recipe countless times because it balances zest, savory grilled chicken, and creamy feta so perfectly.

Speedy yet Satisfying: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s great for busy weeknights but feels special enough for guests.
Fresh, Crisp Veggies: The cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper bring an irresistible crunch and color to every bite.
Versatile Dressing: The lemony, garlicky dressing doubles as a marinade and salad dressing, tying everything together seamlessly.
Customizable to Your Taste: Easy to modify with your favorite herbs, veggies, or even proteins like shrimp or tofu.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this salad plays a starring role, from the juicy tomatoes to the punchy garlic vinaigrette. Picking fresh produce is key here — it totally makes a difference!

Flat lay of extra-virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small white ceramic bowl, two cloves of whole garlic, dried oregano scattered delicately, a dollop of Dijon mustard in a small white ceramic bowl, coarse kosher salt sprinkled neatly, freshly ground black pepper elegantly arranged, raw boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets, an English cucumber whole and uncut, three vine-ripened tomatoes, one green bell pepper, a quarter of a red onion with visible layers, crumbled feta cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, chopped fresh parsley loosely arranged, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra-virgin olive oil: The base of the dressing and marinade; choose a good-quality one for rich flavor.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity that wakes up the entire salad.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that perfect zing without being overpowering.
Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that adds earthiness and balances the lemon.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds subtle sharpness.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning both chicken and salad to perfection.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets: Thin and quick to grill, perfect for an easy protein boost.
English cucumber: Crisp and mild, it keeps the salad refreshing.
Vine-ripened tomatoes: Use the freshest you can find for sweetness and juiciness.
Green bell pepper: Slightly sweet and crunchy, adds great texture contrast.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a little bite and color pop.
Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, the feta melts beautifully into the salad’s flavor profile.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh herb that brightens up the whole dish with a pop of green.
Grilled pita bread (optional): Serves as a great side or vessel for scooping up the salad.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this salad is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. Making it your own is part of the fun!

Variation: I’ve swapped chicken cutlets for grilled shrimp when I wanted a little seafood twist—just as quick and delicious.
Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese for protein-packed flavor.
Extra herbs: Toss in fresh dill or mint if you want to amp up the Greek flavors even more.
Seasonal tweaks: In cooler months, roasted red peppers and olives work beautifully in place of raw veggies.

Step-by-Step: How I Make 30-Minute Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Shake Up That Zesty Dressing

Start by combining your olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar with a tight lid. I like to shake it vigorously for at least 30 seconds—this really emulsifies it and balances the flavors. It’s incredible how this simple dressing doubles as both marinade and salad dressing!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken cutlets in a large bowl and pour in half the dressing. Use tongs to coat each piece well and let them marinate for 5 minutes. Don’t worry if your timing feels tight—this quick soak is enough to impart great flavor because of the acidic lemon juice.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high and brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken about 4 to 5 minutes per side until you see those gorgeous golden-brown grill marks and the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Then transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes; this step locks in the juices, so don’t skip it!

Step 4: Chop and Assemble

While the chicken rests, chop your veggies—cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper into chunky bites, and thinly slice the red onion. Then cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss everything in a large bowl with the remaining dressing, crumbled feta, and parsley if you’re using it. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve it up with grilled pita, and you’re ready to dig in!

Top Tip

This salad is incredibly forgiving and perfect for last-minute meals, but a few tricks can really help you nail it every time.

Marinate just long enough: Five to ten minutes is ideal. Too long in acidic lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken and make it tough.
Don’t skip resting the chicken: It keeps the meat juicy and tender—trust me, it makes a difference!
Use fresh, ripe veggies: Since the salad relies on raw ingredients for crunch and flavor, pick the freshest veggies available.
Emulsify your dressing well: Shaking your vinaigrette in a jar ensures all flavors meld together evenly for a balanced taste.

How to Serve 30-Minute Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

Greek Chicken Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing off this salad with a sprinkle of extra parsley and a few whole kalamata olives for that salty punch. A drizzle of extra olive oil over the top right before serving elevates the richness and adds a lovely glossy touch.

Side Dishes

Grilled pita bread is my go-to because it’s perfect for scooping the salad. Sometimes, I serve this alongside lemon roasted potatoes or a simple orzo pilaf to round out the meal when guests come over.

Creative Ways to Present

At dinner parties, I like to lay the salad on a large platter and garnish it with lemon wedges and edible flowers for a beautiful Mediterranean vibe. You can even serve it in butter lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. As a tip, I usually keep the pita bread separate so it doesn’t get soggy, and add it freshly when serving again.

Freezing

Since the salad is mostly fresh veggies and dressing, I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled salad—it can get watery and lose texture. If you want to freeze components, grill extra chicken pieces ahead and freeze them separately.

Reheating

I reheat leftover grilled chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Then I toss it back with fresh veggies and leftover dressing for a quick lunch or dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the salad without grilling the chicken?

Absolutely! You can pan-sear the chicken in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or even bake it at 375°F for about 20 minutes until cooked through. Just make sure to marinate it first for flavor.

What if I don't have Dijon mustard?

You can skip the Dijon mustard if you don’t have it on hand; it helps emulsify the dressing and adds a little zing, but the salad will still be delicious without it. A small pinch of honey or a touch of Greek yogurt can add some creaminess if desired.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! This 30-Minute Greek Chicken Salad Recipe works well for meal prep. Keep the chicken and dressing separate from the fresh veggies and feta if possible, and combine shortly before eating to maintain freshness and texture.

Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?

Feta is traditional and adds that classic tangy saltiness, but if you’re not a fan, try goat cheese or a salty ricotta salata as alternatives. Just make sure to crumble or shave it to blend well with the salad ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Greek Chicken Salad Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dishes because it’s effortless, fresh, and never fails to impress. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s perfect for any day you want something bright, nourishing, and delicious with minimal fuss.