Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki

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A colorful bowl bursting with Mediterranean flavors, the Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki is the kind of wholesome, fresh meal you crave after a long day. Think juicy grilled chicken marinated to perfection, paired with crisp cucumbers, ripe cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and a generous swirl of creamy, herb-loaded tzatziki. It’s everything you love about a Greek gyro, reimagined into a vibrant, satisfying salad.

What makes this dish truly stand out is the balance of textures and flavors. The chicken is smoky and tender, the pasta adds chew and substance, the veggies bring that crisp, refreshing crunch, and the tzatziki ties everything together with its garlicky, cooling magic. Whether you’re serving it for a summer lunch, meal prepping for the week, or creating a show-stopping dinner bowl, this salad hits all the right notes.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the layers of flavor, let’s set up the prep zone. This recipe comes together smoothly if you’re equipped with a few kitchen staples:

• Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: Essential for achieving those charred grill marks and smoky depth on the chicken. If you’re using a stovetop grill pan, make sure it’s well-heated.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Needed to slice through cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and cooked chicken cleanly and efficiently.
• Cutting Board: One with a juice groove is helpful when slicing grilled chicken to catch any flavorful juices.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken, tossing the salad, and combining the tzatziki ingredients.
• Tongs or Spatula: Makes flipping chicken effortless and reduces the risk of tearing the meat.
• Box Grater or Microplane: For grating cucumber into the tzatziki sauce, ensuring that signature texture and cool flavor.
• Colander: For draining pasta and ensuring it doesn’t get soggy.

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Ingredients for the Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are lean, quick to grill, and absorb the Greek marinade beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Used both in the marinade and for drizzling—it enhances flavor and helps create that golden sear.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens the entire dish and tenderizes the chicken.
• Garlic Cloves: A must for both the marinade and the tzatziki. It delivers a pungent, irresistible kick.
• Greek Yogurt: The base of tzatziki; thick, tangy, and creamy.
• Cucumber: Adds that essential crunch and cooling flavor to the tzatziki.
• Fresh Dill & Parsley: These herbs bring brightness and elevate the freshness in both the salad and sauce.
• Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli): Optional but adds a heartier base to soak up all those bold Mediterranean flavors.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and color contrast.
• Kalamata Olives: Their briny bite balances the creamy and smoky elements.
• Red Onion: Offers sharpness and a touch of heat.
• Cucumber Slices: For texture, hydration, and crunch in every bite.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple, essential seasoning throughout.

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How To Make the Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a bit of chopped dill. Add chicken breasts and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta (if using)

Boil rotini or fusilli in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

Step 5: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber and red onion, and set out the Kalamata olives. Toss everything gently in a large bowl with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowl

Layer pasta at the bottom (if using), then top with grilled chicken slices, fresh veggies, olives, and generous dollops of tzatziki. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

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Serving and Storing Your Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki

This salad is best served fresh, with the grilled chicken still warm and the tzatziki cool from the fridge—the contrast makes every bite special. It’s great as a main dish or deconstructed into a Greek-style pasta salad for potlucks.

To store, keep the components separate: grilled chicken in one container, tzatziki in another, and veggies in a third. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess. It will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat the chicken gently before assembling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust cook time as needed.

How do I make it low-carb?

Skip the pasta or swap it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or even marinated tofu.

What if I don’t have dill?

Use fresh mint or parsley as a substitute. The flavor profile will shift slightly but still complement the dish.

Is store-bought tzatziki okay?

It works in a pinch, but homemade gives you full control over flavor and texture—worth the extra few minutes!

Can I serve this as a wrap?

Yes! Tuck all the ingredients into a warm pita or flatbread for a handheld version.

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Want More Salad Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you love this Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki, you might enjoy these fresh and satisfying options:

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne for a comfort food twist with veggies.
• Greek Chicken Souvlaki if you want more grill-ready Mediterranean flavor.
• Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps for something hearty and picnic-friendly.
• Shrimp Burrito Bowls if you’re looking for a seafood-based salad option.
• Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce for garlic lovers who enjoy creamy dressings.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it traditional or throw in something extra? Maybe swap in orzo or add a handful of feta?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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