Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki

Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki

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Craving a salad that’s both fresh and satisfying? The Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki might just be your new favorite. With char-grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, tender pasta spirals, and a drizzle of creamy tzatziki, it’s a wholesome meal in one vibrant bowl.

This salad delivers bold Mediterranean flavors and hearty textures in every bite. It balances lean protein, crunchy greens, and a refreshing cucumber-yogurt dressing. Whether you’re prepping for weekday lunches or looking for a colorful dinner option, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki, you’ll need a few kitchen staples:

  • Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: Essential for achieving those smoky char marks and juicy grilled chicken.
  • Mixing Bowls: Needed for assembling the vegetables, pasta, and marinating the chicken.
  • Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: To slice cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and grilled chicken evenly.
  • Colander: For draining the cooked pasta.
  • Tongs: Great for flipping chicken on the grill and tossing the salad ingredients.

These tools simplify prep and ensure each element is cooked and presented just right.


Ingredients for the Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki

  • Chicken Breast: Lean and protein-packed, it’s the heart of this dish.
  • Greek Seasoning or Marinade: Infuses the chicken with herby, tangy flavors.
  • Cucumbers: Brings freshness and crunch to the salad base.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Add juiciness and a burst of natural sweetness.
  • Kalamata Olives: For rich, briny depth and authentic Greek flair.
  • Cooked Pasta (Fusilli or Rotini): Gives the salad a filling, starchy element.
  • Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy and garlicky with a cooling kick.
  • Fresh Parsley or Dill: Brightens up the whole bowl.
  • Lemon Juice: Enhances flavors and keeps everything vibrant.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and ties the ingredients together.
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How To Make the Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki

Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

Marinate the chicken breasts with olive oil, Greek seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Grill on medium-high heat until fully cooked and beautifully charred. Let rest before slicing.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook the fusilli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain with a colander and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Chop and Prep the Veggies

Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumbers, and pit or halve the olives if needed. Finely chop parsley or dill.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad Bowl

In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, layer the pasta, sliced grilled chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Step 5: Add the Tzatziki

Finish with a generous spoonful of tzatziki over the top, and sprinkle with additional herbs or a pinch of chili flakes for extra flair.


How to Serve and Store Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki

Serve this salad fresh and slightly chilled. It works beautifully as a light main dish or a hearty side. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or lemon water for the ultimate refreshment.

To store, keep the salad components separate from the tzatziki to maintain freshness. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken briefly if preferred warm, and reassemble just before serving.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

You can substitute grilled chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables like eggplant and zucchini.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Absolutely. Store-bought tzatziki is convenient, but you can always make your own for more freshness and control over ingredients.

What pasta type works best?

Short pasta like rotini or fusilli holds onto the sauce and veggies better, making each bite more cohesive.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, just keep the components in separate containers and assemble when ready to eat to avoid sogginess.

What other toppings can I add?

Try adding crumbled feta cheese, red onions, or roasted red peppers for more depth and Greek flavor.


Want More Salad Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Italian Grinder Salad, which swaps chicken for hearty deli meats and a zesty dressing. Or dive into the California Spaghetti Salad for a pasta-packed option full of garden vegetables.

For more hearty meals with Mediterranean flair, check out the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup or the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a warm, comforting dinner.

And if you’re craving soup with a protein punch, the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup is another wholesome choice you’ll love.


Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your salad or lunch boards for later. Just tap the Pin button.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add feta? Maybe swapped the pasta? Share your twists in the comments.

For more fresh and delicious recipe ideas, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate.


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Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki

Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki


  • Author: Julia Koch
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 servings

Description

This Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki is a vibrant and wholesome meal featuring char-grilled chicken breast, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, pasta spirals, and a generous drizzle of creamy tzatziki. It’s a perfect balance of protein, crunch, and coolness – great for meal prep, dinner, or sunny lunches.


Ingredients

1 pound chicken breasts

2 tablespoons Greek seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup fusilli or rotini pasta, uncooked

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, sliced

1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted

1/2 cup tzatziki sauce

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken with Greek seasoning, olive oil, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

2. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked and charred. Set aside to rest, then slice.

3. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.

4. Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Chop herbs.

5. In a large bowl, layer pasta, grilled chicken, veggies, and herbs.

6. Drizzle with lemon juice and a bit more olive oil.

7. Top with tzatziki sauce and extra herbs or chili flakes if desired.

Notes

For best results, grill the chicken on high heat to achieve char marks while keeping the inside juicy.

Let the pasta cool completely before assembling to avoid wilting the vegetables.

Use homemade tzatziki for extra freshness or add a garlic clove to store-bought for a bold twist.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 540
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 26
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 37
  • Cholesterol: 85

Keywords: Greek salad, grilled chicken, healthy bowl

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