Easy & Healthy Greek Chicken Salad with Creamy Cucumber Dressing: Your New Favorite Mediterranean Meal

There’s something incredibly satisfying about stumbling upon a recipe that immediately sparks joy and fits perfectly into your lifestyle. For me, that moment arrived when I flipped through my local grocery store’s free magazine and found this gem: a recipe for Greek Chicken Salad with Cucumber Dressing. It instantly caught my eye as something not only delicious but also remarkably simple to prepare, especially for someone often cooking for one.

The allure of perfectly grilled chicken on skewers, tossed with vibrant greens and a cool, creamy dressing, was undeniable. I must confess, this recipe inspired me to make a special trip to acquire a set of skewers. While it was an extra step, I rationalized it as a worthwhile investment, knowing they would serve me well for many future grilling adventures. Speaking of grilling, my thoughts have been turning to outdoor cooking lately. With summer approaching and grills likely to hit clearance sales soon, it feels like the ideal time to finally invest in one. Imagine the possibilities for perfectly charred chicken and vegetables!

Why This Greek Chicken Salad Will Become Your New Go-To

This Greek Chicken Salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. It combines tender, marinated chicken, cooked to perfection, with a light and refreshing cucumber yogurt dressing, all served atop a bed of crisp greens. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet is packed with healthy ingredients, making it ideal for a guilt-free lunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to incorporate more lean protein and fresh vegetables into their diet without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for various customizations to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Crafting the Perfect Greek Chicken Skewers

The heart of this salad is undoubtedly the marinated chicken. This recipe calls for chicken to be marinated for just 30 minutes, infusing it with bright, savory notes that are characteristic of Greek cuisine. The marinade typically includes olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and dried rosemary. Olive oil provides richness and helps tenderize the chicken, while lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness. Garlic contributes a pungent, aromatic base, and rosemary offers an earthy, piney aroma that complements the other flavors beautifully.

The Marinade: A Burst of Mediterranean Flavor

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that locks in moisture and infuses every bite with incredible flavor. While 30 minutes is enough to make a difference, you can extend the marinating time to a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator for an even more intense flavor profile. This makes it an excellent candidate for meal prep; you can marinate a larger batch of chicken, then cook it throughout the week or even freeze the marinated chicken for future use. Just ensure the chicken is properly covered and refrigerated.

Grilling vs. Broiling: Achieving Juicy Perfection

Once marinated, the chicken pieces are threaded onto skewers and cooked. The recipe suggests either grilling or broiling, both excellent methods for achieving tender, juicy chicken with a slight char that enhances its flavor. If you’re using an outdoor grill, you’ll get those coveted smoky notes and beautiful grill marks. For an indoor option, a broiler works wonderfully, providing high, direct heat that cooks the chicken quickly and efficiently. Regardless of your chosen method, aim for about 8 minutes of cooking time, flipping the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

The Refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Dressing: A Creamy Dream

No Greek chicken salad would be complete without a phenomenal dressing, and this cucumber yogurt sauce is truly a star. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of chopping and mixing. The key ingredients are half a cucumber (peeled, seeded, and chopped), plain Greek yogurt, and dried parsley.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

• Cucumber: Provides a cool, crisp texture and a refreshing, mild flavor that perfectly balances the savory chicken. Peeling and seeding the cucumber prevents the dressing from becoming watery.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: The creamy base of the dressing, offering a tangy counterpoint and a rich, smooth consistency. It’s also a fantastic source of protein and probiotics, adding to the health benefits of the meal.
• Dried Parsley: Contributes a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dressing. You can also use fresh parsley if preferred, doubling the amount for a more potent flavor.

Simply combine these ingredients in a bowl, mix until well combined, and you have a dressing that’s not only delicious for this salad but also incredibly versatile. Any leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days, ready to elevate future salads, serve as a dip for vegetables, or even top a baked potato.

Assembling Your Dream Salad: Greens and More

When it comes to the base of your Greek Chicken Salad, the choice of greens can make a significant difference. While some recipes might call for iceberg lettuce, I personally avoid it. Iceberg lettuce, though crunchy, offers very little in terms of flavor or nutritional value. Instead, I highly recommend using spinach. Its tender leaves and slightly earthy flavor provide a much more substantial and nutritious foundation for the salad. Other excellent choices include romaine lettuce for its crispness, or a spring mix for a variety of textures and flavors.

Once your chicken is cooked and your dressing is ready, simply toss the warm or room-temperature chicken pieces with your chosen greens. Then, generously spoon the creamy cucumber dressing over the top. To truly embrace the Greek salad experience, consider adding other traditional components like:

• Chopped ripe tomatoes
• Slices of red onion (thinly sliced for a milder taste)
• Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
• Crumbled feta cheese (a must for authentic Greek flavor!)
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green, for color and crunch)

These additions will not only enhance the flavor profile but also add a wonderful variety of textures and nutrients, turning a simple salad into a vibrant, satisfying meal.

Tips for Success and Customization

• Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before for maximum flavor. The dressing can also be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
• Chicken Alternatives: While chicken breast is lean and versatile, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result. For a vegetarian option, try marinating firm tofu or chickpeas in the same Greek-inspired marinade.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade or dressing can add a subtle kick.
• Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, don’t hesitate to use them! Fresh dill in the dressing or fresh oregano in the marinade would be fantastic.
• Serving Suggestions: This salad is perfect as a main course, but it also makes a great side dish. You could also serve the chicken and salad components in a warm pita bread for a delicious Greek chicken pita.
• Portion Control: This recipe is perfect for two, but can easily be scaled up or down. If making for one, simply halve the ingredients.

This recipe is pretty easy, I think. It takes a little time mainly because of marinating the chicken, but as mentioned, you could probably marinade ahead of time and freeze it. The dressing takes only a few minutes to chop and mix. The payoff for this minimal effort is a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

Greek Chicken Salad With Cucumber Dressing Recipe

Yield:
2 servings

A vibrant Greek Chicken Salad featuring perfectly marinated chicken and a creamy, refreshing cucumber yogurt dressing.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Cucumber Yogurt Dressing:

• Half cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For Serving:

• Fresh spinach or other mixed greens
• (Optional) Chopped tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine 2 teaspoons olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and dried rosemary. Add the cubed chicken pieces, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or broiler. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Grill or broil for approximately 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
3. Prepare the Dressing: Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the chopped cucumber, plain Greek yogurt, and dried parsley until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad: Toss the finished chicken pieces (remove from skewers if desired) with fresh spinach or your preferred greens. Drizzle generously with the cucumber yogurt dressing. Serve immediately, adding optional toppings like tomatoes, olives, or feta if desired.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes

Final Thoughts: A Mediterranean Delight for Any Day

This Greek Chicken Salad with Cucumber Dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy fresh, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful food. It proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or complicated. With its perfectly marinated chicken, vibrant greens, and a refreshing, tangy dressing, it offers a balanced meal that is both satisfying and light.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep option, or simply craving the taste of the Mediterranean, this salad delivers. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. So go ahead, grab your skewers (or not!), and prepare to fall in love with this delightful Greek-inspired dish. Don’t forget to share your creations using #HITKrecipes – I can’t wait to see your take on this wonderful salad!